Sierra Nevada Brewing Company celebrates 30th anniversary with collaboration
When some of the most influential people in the craft brewing industry get together to brew beer, special things happen.
Case in point: The Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Chico, Calif., is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of collaborative beers created by brewers who were instrumental in the craft brewing movement.
These limited-release, 750-milliliter, corked-and-caged bottles are being released periodically throughout this year until Sierra Nevada's 30th anniversary on Nov. 15.
Beyond the tribute to Sierra Nevada's three decades of brewing, proceeds from the project will benefit select charities chosen by the four pioneering brewers.
The first of four beers was Fritz and Ken's.
Ale, which was released in March (and is still available in some area liquor stores. Fritz and Ken's Ale is a nod to the robust stouts of yesteryear. The beer pours with an opaque blackness that lifts an incredibly long-lasting and lofty head. The nose is roasty, sweet and inviting. The texture is smooth, chewy and full.
The second beer in the series -- Charlie, Fred and Ken's Lager -- has recently been released and should be in local liquor stores soon. According to Sierra Nevada, Charlie, Fred and Ken's Lager is a testament to the ever-evolving brewer's art. It's bold yet balanced, with a distinct, toasted malt character, moderate sweetness and clean, floral hops.
The third beer in the series, Jack and Ken's Ale, will be available in July.
Jack McAuliffe, who is considered to be the original microbrewer (he opened the tiny New Albion Brewery in Sonoma, Cali., in 1976), agreed to guest brew an American-style barley wine.
The fourth and final brew in the series will be a special Brewers Reserve Oak-Aged Ale. It will be a blend of Sierra Nevada's Oak-Aged Bigfoot Barley Wine, Celebration Ale and Pale Ale, with a generous addition of dry hops.
Sierra Nevada started in 1980 with a humble, hand-built brewhouse and some interesting ideas about beer. Today it's America's longest-running craft startup and it produces the best-selling craft brand in the country -- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
When Sierra Nevada first opened its doors, there were less than 50 breweries in the United States. Today, there are more than 1,500 craft breweries in operation, and American brewers lead the world in variety of styles, innovation, experimentation and quality.
By Aubrey Laurence
Based on the following sources:
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