Sep 30, 2010

Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale

Sierra Nevada Tumbler

When I first heard of this new seasonal release from Sierra Nevada, I was thrilled at the prospect of the brewery expanding into an item outside of their normally hoppy range of beers. Then I heard that it was replacing their annually released Anniversary Ale — a product that is be retired — and I got a little bummed.

I really enjoyed the three year run that the Anniversary Ale had going, but I complete understand the brewery’s reasoning behind it’s retirement and the introduction of a more seasonally appropriate release.

At any rate, I finally got around to picking up a six pack of Tumbler a couple of weeks ago and have enjoyed it immensely (especially with chili that my wife made a week or so ago). This 5.5% ABV brown ale isn’t as rich or as deep in character as some of it’s contemporaries that I really enjoy on a regular basis (Dogfish Head’s Indian Brown Ale, New Holland’s Cabin Fever), but it is still quite tasty and accessible in terms of it’s flavors.

Appearance

Tumbler pours a medium brown in color with a light tan head.

Aroma

The aroma fits the style perfectly with lightly toasted malts, a mild nuttiness and a subtle floral hop component. The malts have a lightly roasted coffee character and a touch of caramel.

Taste

A good bit of toasted caramel malt fills the mouth with hints of coffee, nuts as well as an earthy character that definitely reminds me of a cool, damp Fall morning. There’s a moderate hop bitterness in the finish that balances out the beer nicely. It’s got a decent carbonation with a fairly crisp mouthfeel. Overall, Tumbler is a very drinkable and accessible brew.

Overall

This beer is a great addition to the Sierra Nevada portfolio. I love seasonal brews and with the lower price point on a six pack of Tumbler, it’ll be filling my fridge consistently through the Autumn months.

Rating: 3.5/5

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