Sierra Nevada West Ghost Modern West Coast IPA

 

Sierra Nevada West Ghost Modern West Coast IPA .

7.2 % ABV, 6.5 % IBU, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Chico, CA & elsewhere. 

At first, I thought this was a joke. SN puts out a 4-pack of 16-ouncers with a comical name & label art and wants $19 for it? They must be kidding! Luckily, I got a sample can, so I didn’t have to spend nothing! I mean, for $19, I can get a 12-pack! 

Clear, bright golden hue, large, lush ivory head. 

In the nose: big time citrus and a side order of pine. Tiniest touch of tropical.

In the mouth: big hops, bitter, dry…not quite crisp… lightly abrasive…somewhat refreshing… but not exactly what I’m looking for in a…wait a minute, what on Earth is a “modern West Coast IPA?” 

I’m still investigating it…I’m coming up with a lack of crystal malts, which I never knew was a thing…some say less bitter, more tropical…I say that’s blasphemy! 

I enjoyed this okay, but not $19 okay. 

An old-school IPA back from the dead, lest we forget that today's haze began bright. This West Coast ghost is uber crisp and proudly bitter, with notes of citrus and sweet fruit.