Beer Review: Torpedo Extra IPA

Reviewing the Torpedo Extra IPA by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.
Score: 84

2011 bottle served in a tulip glass.

Appearance: Pours two fingers of foamy head that pretty much dissipates upon settle. Color is a translucent honey-amber. Excellent lacing. 4.5/5

Smell: Strong floral, earthy hop aromas. Lots of grapefruit citrus. Some piney herb aromas too. The perfect IPA aroma. 5/5

Taste: Flavors are quite watered down. Some grapefruit and pine citrus. Crisp hop bitterness. A little sweetness on the mid-palate. Hop bitterness is pretty balanced, not aggressive at all. 3/5

Mouthfeel: Light-bodied, surprisingly watery. Pretty carbonated. Finish is very dry. 3/5

Overall: I was extremely disappointed by the taste of this beer given the extremely pleasant aroma and delightful appearance. This one definitely did not live up to its hype for me. A decent beer overall, but nothing that stands out. Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale is a much superior brew.

Recommendation: Given its very average nature, I can't exactly recommend buying this beer, especially in a six pack. Casual beer lovers will most likely enjoy this brew, which is more balanced and less hop-aggressive than most IPA's. IPA lovers should avoid this one. Certainly worth trying, however, and definitely worth smelling.

Pairings: Falafel.

Cost: $8.99 for a six pack.