Nov 7, 2014

Sierra Nevada There and Back

Brewery collaborations like There and Back, found in Sierra Nevada’s Beer Camp Across America mixed pack, offer folks like me an opportunity to sample wares from companies that we may not be all that familiar with. In this case, that brewery is New Glarus. Now, I’m well aware of the brewery and the attention many of their beers have garnered, but I just haven’t run across them, myself. That’s why I’m always excited by opportunities like this 5.6% (40 IBU) English-style bitter on offer here.

Combing the traditional perspective of New Glarus with the hop-forward mentality of Sierra Nevada, There and Back delivers a smooth drinking beer with plenty of flavor. It’s a no-nonsense sort of beer that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. A solid malt base, touch of caramel and light sweetness support a balanced hop character of equal measure. The result proved to be my favorite of the mixed twelve pack.

Appearance

Bright, orangish copper in color, the beer sits with a dense, creamy cap of tawny foam. It certainly looks inviting.

Sierra Nevada There and Back photo

Aroma

Herbal, grassy hops combine wonderfully with biscuity malt, caramel and grain. The beer’s aroma isn’t really dynamic, but beckons nonetheless.

Taste

This is a very easy drinking beer. A solid backbone of bready malt, grain, caramel and a hint of sweetness supports a balancing hop profile. Light citrus, herbal notes and a soft tingle of bitterness fade smoothly to the refreshing and lasting finish. Not much more needs to be said.

Overall

There and Back is an incredibly drinkable beer with excellent flavor. It’s not a simple beer, but it also doesn’t put on airs, so to speak. It’s a straightforward brew that just simply delivers the goods. i just wish it were more plentiful in the mixes pack.

Rating: 4/5

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