Moderator: Squire
Brewer wrote:Here in NY there seems to be a very tight supply of this years Celebration Ale. I'm wondering if those of you in other parts of the US have experienced the same supply problems. One thing I know, its a damn good beer, and lots of folks eagerly anticipate its arrival to their local store's shelves. This years variety has a VERY fruity grapefruit flavor to it that I'm finding VERY tasty. I would imagine that they have used some different strain of yeast &/or hops to result in this flavor.
Oregone wrote:We've got so much of it here in Portland that there are huge stacks at pretty much every grocery. No, seriously. Usually pick it up for $5.99 on sale.
"Grapefruit" is essentially a product of their hops, especially "C" hops like Cascade, Chinook, etc. Very typical for the variety and more pronounced with a higher hopping rate.
I think this is a pretty good year for SNCA but not at all out of character. I've been sampling it for what must be 15+ years now and have even brewed very successful clones.
Brewer wrote:
Thanks for the info. I'm jealous that we don't have the supplies that you do, but I'm happy for what I've got. I too have enjoyed the Celebration Ale over the years, and usually I've noted a predominant hop flavor and aroma. As I've previously noted, this years grapefruit flavor is the big flavor that I notice, with a bit of hops.
Brewer wrote:Could you give me a tip on your clones that you've brewed?
Oregone wrote: the grapefruit (which I get in all Sierra Nevada beers) is a product of those hops.
I actually improved it (IMO) by using British pale and caramel malts instead of American. Darker, maltier and seriously delicious. I always dry-hopped in the keg and the beer just got better and better for several weeks until the whole 10 gallons was gone. Never did find out if it would change much over months, because it never lasted that long.
Brewer wrote:
So you get grapefruit flavor from their standard Pale Ale as well? I never picked up on that myself, prior to this years Celebration.
The recipe as you describe it sounds great! No wonder you couldn't compare it over time.
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