Review Date 6/30/2010
Try?
Re-buy?
Now that I have completed my collection of Sierra Nevada's 30th Anniversary series of specialty brews, I suppose it's time I set about drinking them. Actually, I've already popped the cap off the first entry, Fritz and Ken's Ale, Stout, and found it a worthy brew indeed. Sierra Nevada has been releasing an edition in the series every few months in 2010, and I snagged the fourth and final corked 750 ML bottle a few weeks ago.
Each beer is special, with the first three a collaborative effort between Sierra Nevada's founder Ken Grossman and one or more brewing legends. The first beer, the aforementioned stout, was made in conjunction with Anchor Brewing's legendary Fritz Maytag. The third, concocted with the help of beer pioneer Jack McAuliffe of New Albion Brewing fame, is a black barleywine. And the third, perhaps most intriguing of all, a blend of three of Sierra Nevada's classic brews: Bigfoot Barleywine, Celebration Ale (the latter two aged in oak) and young Pale Ale.
Tonight, though, I'm drinking the second brew of the four: Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Charlie, Fred, & Ken's Bock Imperial Helles Bock. This beer was produced through the combined efforts of Sierra Nevada's own Ken Grossman, homebrew legend Charlie Papazian, and Pacific Northwest beer writer Fred Eckhardt.
The beer itself is a German-style pale bock, kicked up in strength and fortified with generous amounts of hops. The beer his store shelves in May, but I've still seen it for sale here and there. If you haven't bought yours yet, don't miss out.
Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Charlie, Fred, & Ken's Bock Imperial Helles Bock pours to a rich copper color with a thick creamy head formation and a juicy, herbal hop nose. The palate has a solid toasty maltiness underneath laced with chewy caramel notes. This suggest the dry malt base of a German helles-Bock. The hops show their presence in short order, and add a slightly bitter, grassy herbal hop buzz in the finish. There's a warming alcohol presence there as well.
The latter isn't too far off base for a Helles bock. They usually run around 7% or so alcohol by volume, with their "Imperial" version, Sierra Nevada has only kicked the strength up to 8.2% (kudos for resisting the urge to kick it over 10%). The hops, though, are over the top for the style, but I'm OK with that considering that they're going for an "Imperial" style, and I do like the intense herbal, grassy hop character.
I can't say that Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Charlie, Fred, & Ken's Bock Imperial Helles Bock reminds me all that much of a Maibock, but I will say it's one very enjoyable brew.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler
