Craft beer enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors to tantalize their taste buds. One such beer that has gained attention in recent years is Otra Vez, a gose-style beer produced by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. This unique brew offers a refreshing and distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional beers.
Otra Vez, which translates to “again” or “another time” in Spanish, pays homage to the rich history of gose beer, a traditional German style that dates back centuries. Gose beer is known for its sour and slightly salty taste, making it a refreshing and thirst-quenching option for those seeking a different beer experience.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., a renowned craft brewery based in Chico, California, introduced Otra Vez in response to the growing demand for more experimental and adventurous beer styles. Released in 2016, this beer quickly gained popularity among beer enthusiasts for its unique flavor combination and approachability.
What sets Otra Vez apart from other gose beers is its use of prickly pear cactus and grapefruit. These ingredients impart a delightful fruity and tangy twist to the traditional gose flavor, enhancing the overall drinking experience. The addition of coriander and a touch of sea salt further elevates the complexity of flavors, creating a harmonious balance that leaves a lasting impression.
In terms of appearance, Otra Vez boasts a pale straw color with a slight haze, giving it a visually appealing and inviting look. The beer pours with a moderate foamy head, which adds to the overall sensory experience.
When it comes to aroma, Otra Vez delivers a subtle yet enticing fragrance. Notes of citrus, specifically grapefruit, dominate the aroma profile, while hints of coriander and a slight tartness add depth and complexity.
But it's the taste that truly sets Otra Vez apart. The initial sip reveals a zesty burst of grapefruit, complemented by a gentle sourness that is characteristic of gose beers. The prickly pear cactus adds a unique sweetness to the flavor profile, balancing the tartness and creating a refreshing and well-rounded taste. The touch of sea salt adds a hint of salinity, enhancing the overall flavor experience and leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.5 percent, Otra Vez is a light-bodied beer that can be enjoyed on a warm summer day or as a refreshing option during any season. Its low alcohol content makes it a sessionable beer, meaning you can indulge in multiple servings without feeling overwhelmed.
Otra Vez is best enjoyed straight from the can or poured into a glass to fully appreciate its appearance and aroma. The beer's effervescence and crispness make it an ideal choice for pairing with various dishes, including seafood, salads, and spicy cuisine. Its tart and fruity character also makes it a great option for those who prefer lighter and more refreshing beers.
Sadly, Otra Vez beer is no longer being produced by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. However, if you ever come across a bottle or can of this unique gose beer, be sure to give it a try. Its distinct flavor profile and refreshing qualities are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Otra Vez beer offers a refreshing and unique gose experience that combines the traditional sour and salty characteristics of the style with the fruity and tangy flavors of prickly pear cactus and grapefruit. Although no longer in production, this beer stands as a testament to the innovative and adventurous spirit of craft brewing. So, if you have the chance to try Otra Vez, seize the opportunity and discover the delightful world of gose beer with a twist.
Did Sierra Nevada Discontinue Otra Vez?
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has indeed discontinued the production of their beer called Otra Vez. Otra Vez was a unique beer that blended the flavors of a German-style gose with the refreshing qualities of a Mexican-style lager. However, the brewery has decided to no longer produce this particular beer.
There could be various reasons behind this decision, such as changes in consumer preferences, the need to make room for new or more popular beer styles, or simply a strategic business decision. It is not uncommon for breweries to discontinue certain beers in order to focus on their core offerings or to explore new brewing innovations.
It is worth noting that Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is known for its wide range of beers, including their iconic Pale Ale, Torpedo Extra IPA, and a variety of seasonal and limited-release brews. While Otra Vez may no longer be available, beer enthusiasts can still enjoy a diverse selection of beers from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
What Is A Gose Beer?
Gose beer is a type of German beer that is brewed using a top-fermentation process. It is known for its unique flavor profile, which includes hints of coriander and salt. Gose beer gets its distinct sour taste from lacto-fermentation, a process in which lactic acid bacteria convert sugars into lactic acid.
Here are some key characteristics of gose beer:
1. Light-bodied: Gose beer is generally light in body, which means it has a relatively low viscosity or thickness. This makes it easy to drink and refreshing, particularly during warmer months.
2. Fruity: Gose beer often exhibits fruity flavors, which can vary depending on the specific batch and ingredients used. Common fruit notes in gose beer include citrus, lemon, and tropical fruits.
3. Low alcohol content: Gose beer typically has a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) compared to other beer styles. The ABV of gose beer usually falls within the range of 4.2 to 4.8 percent, making it a lighter and more sessionable option.
4. Salty and tangy: One of the defining characteristics of gose beer is its subtle saltiness. This saltiness, combined with the sourness from the lacto-fermentation, creates a unique tangy flavor profile that sets gose beer apart from other beer styles.
Gose beer is a German beer style that is light-bodied, fruity, and slightly sour due to lacto-fermentation. It typically contains coriander and salt, giving it a distinct flavor profile. With a lower alcohol content, gose beer is a refreshing option for those looking for a lighter beer experience.
Conclusion
Otra Vez beer by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. was a unique and refreshing gose beer that unfortunately is no longer being produced by the brewery. This particular style of beer, known for its sour flavor profile, fruity notes, and lower alcohol content, offered a distinct and enjoyable drinking experience. With its inclusion of coriander and salt, Otra Vez was able to provide a well-balanced and flavorful taste. Despite its discontinuation, beer enthusiasts can still appreciate and remember the quality and craftsmanship that went into creating this beer by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
