Where is my favorite Barleywine on the planet? Typically, the Sierra Nevada Bigfoot is released early January. Well, it looks like Sierra is shaking up things a little. They have released a new seasonal ESB (Early Spring Beer) first. Here's a snippet of the official press release from Sierra:
On January 1, 2008 Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.—a pioneer of America’s ale renaissance—released its new spring seasonal ESB – Early Spring Beer to market. The company, which just celebrated its 27th year with the release of its fall seasonal Anniversary Ale, decided to brew their interpretation of England’s classic Extra Special Bitter style.
From all accounts from folks on BeerAdvocate, several sightings of Bigfoot have been seen around North Carolina. Hopefully, he'll come down to the Atlanta area before month's end.On related Bigfoot note, recently had a vertical tasting of 2005, 2006 and 2007 Bigfoot. The 2005 was simply sublime, very aged tasting with the signature hop flavor still strong. 2006 was good as well, and noticeably opaque in appearance. My pal Old Man Winter commented that this year they experimented with some extra fermentation, which I will try to confirm. Lastly, the 2007 was still young and sharp, just the way I like my Bigfoot.
Oh, and the 2008 Bigfoot will mark Sierra's 25th edition of this famous Barleywine:
Cheers!
UPDATE FRI 1/25- Both Green's locations now have both Bigfoot and ESB.
