Beer pick of the week: Southern Hemisphere Harvest Fresh Hop Ale

Southern Hemisphere Harvest Fresh Hop Ale

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Chico, CA

6.7% ABV

Not content to limit its fresh hop ale to the fall when hops are harvested in the northern hemisphere, Sierra Nevada traveled to New Zealand, when the hop harvest is in our spring. This American pale ale is hopped with fresh New Zealand hops, quick dried and flown to California within a week of harvest. Isn’t the global economy grand? Orangey amber with a thick rocky head of foam, the Southern Hemisphere looks beautiful, with outstanding lacing that clings in a sheet all the way down the glass. An aroma of musky citrus, pine, tropical fruit, and bready malts greets the nose. The taste is intensely hoppy, with bright resiny pine and grapefruit peel. Bitterness is big upfront, with some biscuity, caramel malts coming through in the middle. The finish is sharp, but juicy, and seems to actually kick the salivary glands into gear, leaving you smacking your tongue. A bit of gingerbread spice comes through as well. Mouthfeel is medium-full with a moderate carbonation. Very smooth and creamy, it becomes more balanced as it warms. You’ll be glad it comes in the big 24-ounce bottle.

(Photo by Jeff Holland)