Torpedo

Unfortunately, it appears that samples of this popular brew suffered from heat and exposure in transit to the tasting site. However, all beers in the review are tasted blind, and the judges were compelled to evaluate the beer as received. Sierra Nevada is deservedly world-renowned as brewers of exceptional beers across a broad range. One of their more recent entries, Torpedo Extra IPA, follows a very long, distinguished line of hop-forward brews. The beer pours a brilliantly clear, dark reddish-copper and supports a dense, rocky, off-white head that lasts to the end of the glass. Hop aromas were a bit subdued yet evinced a distinctive tangerine peel perfume and were supported by warm, sweet Caramel malt notes. Nick noted a citrusy punch to the aroma but found that it was somewhat muddled by a faint yet noticeable metallic tang. Lee, too, noticed the mineral/metallic tang but praised the aromas for “flaunting their bold and assertive nature.” The flavor was much more distinguishable than the aromas, and the judges all commented on the artistically balanced caramel and cracker-like malt, aggressive bitterness, and complex hop flavors. Tom was especially impressed by the firm spicy and resiny hop flavors and how they were woven into the beer’s substantially malty backbone. Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo is a delightfully hop-driven tipple when fresh, and beer connoisseurs should go to whatever lengths necessary to have a working stock in their beer fridge.