BACKYARD BEER PANEL

Hopefully this is the last of the indoor panel reviews.  Cabin fever is starting to subside with springtime weather just days away aaaaahhhhhhhhhh.   I cannot wait for warmer weather to get into the grilling season again.  It is not as much fun flipping meat in the Carharts, tuke and boots standing out in the cold only finding solace in a damn cold beer. Well the beer will always have a warm place in my heart no matter what the season (or the beer).

SIERRA NEVADA GLISSADE 

Brewed by:Sierra Nevada Brewing CompanyChico California

Style: Heller Bock 
Best served in: Lager glass, shaker or stein.

Seasonal: Spring

ABV: 6.4 IBU: 42

  

As winter begins its slide toward the sunny days of spring; we bring you Glissade Golden Bock to help you enjoy the ride. Glissade is a remarkably mellow take on the traditional spring bock. With restrained sweetness, we emphasize subtle malt flavor, balanced against delicate aromas of spicy and floral European hops. This complex balance helps Glissade slide across the palate-bracing us against the last cold nights of winter, while its bright golden color turns our thoughts toward spring.  

Tim

Strackman

Al

Pat

Ave

Appearance

3.5

3.8

4

4.0

3.8

Sparkled like sunshine when poured floating into a rich white head that dissipated quickly

Smell

3

1.2

3.5

3.0

2.7

Light toast and mild malted grain slight hint of cloves and citrus light hoppy scent

Taste

3.5

4

3.5

4.0

3.8

slight sweet fruit (pear/honey) malty, smooth, balanced well with hops and a slight dry finish

Mouth Feel

3.5

3.2

3.5

4.0

3.6

Very crisp in the mouth, light tasting with medium carbonation, smooth

Drinkability

3.2

3.9

3.5

4.0

3.7

Overall

3.34

3.22

3.60

3.80

3.49

HISTORY ON THE BREWERY: Founded in 1980, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is one of America's first microbreweries and remains highly regarded for using only whole-cone hops and ingredients of the highest quality. Sierra Nevada has set the standard for artisan brewers worldwide as a winner of numerous awards for its line of beers and ales--including the flagship Pale Ale, Torpedo, Porter, Stout, Kellerweis, four seasonal beers, Estate Ale, Harvest Ale series, and a host of draft-only specialties.

Glissade Golden Bock is the brewery's take on the traditional pale bocks of Germany. The beer is remarkably mellow, with layers of subtle malt flavors and a more restrained sweetness than many of its continental cousins. Glissade emphasizes layers of malt, with flavors reminiscent of freshly-baked bread and toasted nuts held in perfect balance by a touch of spicy and floral European hops. This delicate balance helps the beer slide across the palate and welcomes another sip.

What the heck does Glissade mean?  I tried to guess and nothing was coming to me, then I decided to Google it. 

Glissade: A guiding step in ballet (what ever) or a controlled slide, in either a standing or sitting position, used in descending a steep icy or snowy incline (more like it). Controlled or uncontrolled sliding sounds like an event that goes good with beer.  This is a good transition into the description on the label of the bottle states "remarkably mellow, sliding across the palate".  Now it is making sense.  Golden bock is a mellower take on the strong, bold bocks of spring time.  It was the sweet light fruit flavor that gets your attention almost like hint of pear syrup that lightly dries as a hoppy / nutty flavor as it passes across your tongue.

Those guys at ratebeer scored this at 3.2 while the panel scored this slightly higher score at 3.49.  The board of executives for the panel includes Tim Gilbert, Dan (Strackman) Strack, Telal Al-Rifai and my beer swilling self.  (Thank you gentlemen, you make this much fun)

Little known beer fact: Vikings believed that a giant goat whose udders provided an endless supply of beer was waiting for them in Valhalla (Viking heaven).  Is that why Brett F. came to play with us here in MN?

Please, join me in supporting the beer makers of America and enjoy your beer.

Beer Friend,

Pat Best