Sierra Nevada Estate & Tumbler...New Belgium Ranger IPA

Commercial Beer Reviews
1

I just had these brews on tap at a local fair/homebrew comp.

For the first time, I had brews (Estate and Tumbler) by Sierra Nevada Brewery that I really didn’t care for, especially the Tumbler-zero complexity.  A dud in my book.

I thought the Ranger IPA was decent, if not overwhelming.

Oddly enough, one of the breweries (I forget which one) had a keg of Smithwicks.  It seemed a tad flat, but the flavor was still very balanced and thoroughly enjoyable to me.  I’d like to take a crack at brewing a clone of that.

2

I like the Ranger IPA as well.

3

I have heard a lot of people complain about the Ranger. I thought it was a fine beer. The best IPA I ever had? Certainly not. But I don’t think every beer has to strive for the most complex beer you’ve ever put in your mouth. Sometimes, it just drinks good, and that’s good enough for me.

4

Ranger IPA is doable for sure.

5

Yeah I really like the Ranger, anyone have a clone recipe for it?

6

I’m with Jim on the Ranger…maybe it’s because that we’re both from the PNW that we expect a bit more assertiveness in an IPA.  The best thing I can say about Ranger is that it’s OK.

7

I’m with you guys, Ranger is just ok.

8

Yet another PNW taster!

9

Yeah, but mic says he likes it, and he’s a PNWer too.  Are you moving mic, or retracting your statement?  ;D

10

I’m not a PNW’er and I thought they were average and unexciting. The Ranger is drinkable but I didn’t care for the Tumbler at all.

Thanks for reminding me about the Smithwicks. I can get it at the local but never tried it.

11

That just means you’re ready to move here!  ;)

12

You never know what the next few years will bring.  :wink: I’ve toyed with moving to the area (Eugene) over the last ten years.

13

I agree that Tumbler is ‘meh’ - I bought a 12 pack the day my local store got it in (beginning of August?) and I still have 4 bottles left if that tells you anything.

Ranger was pretty good - not the best IPA out there, but tasty and I’d certainly buy it again one day.

I’m suprised at the comment on Estate Harvest Ale though.  I had a bottle a few weeks ago and thought it was so fantastic, I went the next day after work to go grab a few more bottles, but it was all gone  :'(

14

If you move to Eugene, promise me you’ll tell everyone the town is named after you!  ;D

15

I’m in NBB territory and had Ranger from the conditioning tanks before it was released.  I told the guy it was ok.  It’s more of a gateway IPA.  Nice hop flavor but nothing that says wow.  It’s flying off the shelves here though.

16

I Like Ranger well enough and my wife loves it. I took a stab at a clone that I’m still tweaking.
      Batch size: 5.00 gal
      Boil size: 6.25 gal
      Boil Time: 60 min
      Efficiency: 75%
     
      Fermentables
      11.50 lbs Pale Malt (2 Row) US.
      6 oz Crystal Malt - 40L.
      4 oz Crystal Malt - 80L.
     
      Hops

.60 oz Simcoe (13%AA) @60
      .30 oz Chinook (13%AA) @60
      .33 oz Chinook (13%AA) @20
      .33 oz Simcoe (13%AA) @20
      .33 oz Cascade (5.5%AA) @20
      .50 oz Simcoe (13%AA) @5
      .50 oz Chinook (13%AA) @5
      1.00 oz Cascade (5.5%AA) @5
      .50 oz Chinook (13%AA) Dry Hop     
      .50 oz Cascade (5.5%AA)  Dry Hop
      .50 oz Simcoe (13%AA)  Dry Hop

I used Wyeast 1272 in my first batch as I had some around. I’ll use 1056 next time as 1272 was too fruity to call it a clone. I also might throw in some biscuit malt, even though NB doesn’t list it on their site

17

I tried the tumbler a few weeks ago and didn’t care for it either, but I’m not a big fan of this style to begin with.

18

What you said. Thought it might win me over. Didn’t hate it but won’t go back for more.

19

Cool. My dance card is a little full right now but if you tweak it up and get something going let me know!

20

I  had the Sierra Nevada Estate on tap this Sunday and loved it. Actually said “yum” on the first sip. Hoppy and malty, with real depth.