Sierra Nevada is known for using a variety of hops in their beers to create unique and flavorful brews. One of the hops they commonly use is Citra, which is a relatively new hop variety that has gained popularity for its vibrant and tropical characteristics. Citra hops are known for their intense citrus aromas, with notes of grapefruit, orange, and tropical fruits like mango and passionfruit. These hops add a bright and refreshing quality to the beer, giving it a burst of citrusy flavors.
In addition to Citra hops, Sierra Nevada also uses Amarillo hops in some of their beers. Amarillo hops are known for their distinct floral and citrusy aromas, with hints of orange and tangerine. These hops contribute a slightly different flavor profile compared to Citra hops, adding a touch of floral and citrus notes to the beer. When combined with other hop varieties, Amarillo hops can contribute to a more complex and layered hop profile.
To extract the flavors and aromas from these hops, Sierra Nevada follows a careful brewing process. They steep the hops in water for a precise and brief amount of time, ensuring that only the desired hop notes are extracted. This allows them to control the intensity and characteristics of the hop flavors in their beers.
Personal experience: I have had the pleasure of trying several beers from Sierra Nevada that feature Citra and Amarillo hops. One of my favorites is their Tropical Torpedo IPA, which showcases the bright and tropical flavors of Citra hops. The beer has a wonderful aroma of citrus fruits, with a burst of grapefruit and mango flavors on the palate. The Amarillo hops in this beer add a subtle floral note that balances out the citrusy hop profile. It's a refreshing and enjoyable beer that really highlights the unique qualities of these hops.
Sierra Nevada's use of Citra and Amarillo hops in their beers is a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation. These hops bring a distinct and vibrant character to their brews, creating a memorable drinking experience. Whether you're a fan of citrusy IPAs or looking for a beer with tropical hop flavors, Sierra Nevada's beers featuring Citra and Amarillo hops are definitely worth trying.
Sierra Nevada uses Citra and Amarillo hops in their beers to create a bright and tropical hop profile. These hops contribute citrusy and floral aromas, with notes of grapefruit, orange, and tropical fruits. The brewing process involves steeping the hops in water for a precise amount of time to extract only the desired hop flavors. The result is a range of flavorful and refreshing beers that showcase the unique qualities of these hops.