Sierra Nevada – Hop Splash

This is the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. version of sparkling hop water—made with Citra and Amarillo hops—if that means anything to you. I suppose I could learn what qualities these different hops have—if I drink enough of these hop waters, I might. This combo is supposed to impart notes of peach, mango, and grapefruit. I can see that. I would also add: Laura Nyro. Though… that might be because I’m listening to Laura Nyro right now. I guess it’s not a controlled experiment. One thing I did notice, when you smell it, in the glass, before tasting it, it smells kind of poopy. But then, if you think about it, peach and mango, and even grapefruit smell a little poopy. On the other hand, maybe I need to wash out my tasting glass. Once it enters your mouth, though, that poopy smell goes right away and it’s delicious. I don’t think Sierra Nevada is going to quit making beer—they’re from way back in the making-good-beer craze, as I remember. The back of the can says: “Not the right time for a beer, but got a hop craving?” That’s funny… but when I used to drink beer, I don’t think it was exactly the hops that I craved. And there was never any time that was “not the right time for a beer.” Of course, for me, it hasn’t been the right time for a beer in over 31 years now. Though now, against all odds, I do, quite frequently, have a hop craving.

6.20.23