Why we picked it: Recommended by Norm
About Sierra Nevada's Celebration: The long, cold nights of winter are a little brighter with Celebration Ale. Wonderfully robust and rich, Celebration Ale is dry-hopped for a lively, intense aroma. Brewed especially for the holidays, it is perfect for a festive gathering or for a quiet evening at home.
United States Beer Tasting Championship (IPA: 1994)
Chicago Beer Society — 1996 Fall Beer Tasting
California State Fair (IPA: 1999)
Great American Beer Festival (IPA: 2002)
ABV: 6.8%
Case Cost: $32
God damn I love this beer. Can I say that at this time of year? I may leave work early just to go home and drink this. I anxiously await the release of Celebration Ale every year. Highlight of the winter for me. Right above Christmas. Speaking of which, how come we didn't drink any He'Brew beers yesterday for Hanukkah? Luckily I had a private stash and took care of that myself. I'm not kidding.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, as I mentioned to Bolter, I bought a 12 pack of Celebration Ale back in November and it didn't taste quite as good as it has in the past. Not sure if it was a bad case or what. But I've been keeping tonight's beer separate to investigate that. Will let you know the details tonight.
I first had Celebration Ale in 1998. I remember it well since I was at work. I'd been at that job for only two months and we had one of those random engagement party things at 3 pm or something. I had three Celebration Ales and then the party broke up about 4:30 and I was expected to put in another hour of work. Went back to my cubicle and the guy behind me (also under the influence of several Celebration Ales) started rocking out to Beck "Mutations." Now, I don't know if you've ever tried to rock out to Mutations but it's difficult under the best conditions. But sitting at work, half drunk on Celebration Ale, it's intolerable. I left. And if I remember correctly I may have gone to the liquor store in search of more Celebration Ale. And less Beck.
God I love this beer.
Does Grandpa Bill have a story about every beer or is it just me? Can't wait to hear the stories next year and how they better with time. Never liked Sierra beers and this is no exception. Don't know what it is but I just can't figure out why. Lots of flavor but just tastes like crap. Maybe b/c I did not have BMoore's color scheme or did not pair it with the drug he suggested it just fizzled.
ReplyDeleteRating 4.5
Never liked Sierra beers? I bet you also hate freedom, mom, and apple pie. And Christmas. Clearly you hate Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI love freedom, my Mom, my wife, apple pie and enjoying xmas this year immensely. The beer looks good, smells good, and is smooth going down. Its the taste I don't care much for.
ReplyDeleteI'm very disappointed. Something about this beer is definitely different this year. It's got a much stronger alcohol taste than it has in the past. I still like it, but it's just not the same. I'll be sending the brewery an email. Actually, I'll be sending them an angry letter. I don't understand this email thing the kids are using these days.
ReplyDeleteWow, this beer is bitter. I've never really enjoyed any of Sierra Nevada's beers an this no exception. Think I'll finish this one and move onto something else to clense my pallate.
ReplyDeleteYet another ale. Yawn. Thought it was aight. Nobody cares anyway b/c nobody posts and nobody reads. I'm going to make this process a lot better and just call everyone who posts and tell them my review.
ReplyDeleteRating: Who cares
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale reminds me of Kicking Baby Ducks in Their Faces Ale, but without the saffron aftertaste. With an infusion of just a hint of cinnamon flavor, the Celebration Ale would also be quite reminiscent of Smallpox Outbreak Ale.
ReplyDeleteI had this beer this past weekend on tap and it tasted better than this one does from the bottle. I am a bit disappointed. However, I am not at all disappointed with comments...DJ, call me.
ReplyDeleteUh-oh, where is the Friday post? I get off work at 2 and plan on starting to drink.
ReplyDeleteThe question is - will anybody notice the 12/23 beer has still not been posted.
ReplyDeleteI rescind my previous comment. The 12/22 comments had me laughing my ass off. Nice rally people. Its too bad the blog doesn't have a way to view new comments, regardless of which beer. Or does it clearly have this feature and I'm too groggy from huffing computer dust spray to notice?
ReplyDeleteGross. I don't like this beer at all! I'm a day late, but I don't mind forgetting this one all together and moving on to tonight's beer. I wish more people would comment. You can subscribe to the post and get an email each time a new comment is made.
ReplyDeleteSeems pretty bitter to me. It's not one of my favorites. 6 out of 10, D
ReplyDeleteThis beer deserves a repeat of another beer post of mine: I just took a poop and then ladled the poop water and drank from it. The poop water tasted much better than this Sierra Nevada NON -Celebration beer.
ReplyDeleteGrade - sucks ass!!
You need variety and constant rotation of great beers to keep your regulars happy and bring in new customers through the doors. birra Berliner Weisse
ReplyDelete