A few days ago I posted this picture with a few questions. It took a few days, but I did get a reply from Sierra Grossman. I’d asked whether or not this was a “one-time” thing, or if Sierra Nevada was moving forward with a new label. Sierra answered:
“Bigfoot – this is a onetime occurrence. We thought we would celebrate the 25th expedition of our Bigfoot Ale and do something a little bit different. It’s a one-of-a-kind beer and we wanted to have a one-of-a-kind label to go with it!”
So, there you go – we can now rest a bit easier and appreciate the Bigfoot and its new get-up.
UPDATE: I clarified with Sierra Grossman that “one-of-a-kind” beer is not an allusion to a change in recipe. It was a general statement regarding the overall quality of the product. So, expect the same great beer in 2008 with a one-of-a-kind label.
Yes, Spring does come a bit earlier in California than other parts of the country. While many of you are digging our and scraping windshields, the folks in Chico have released their ESB, or Early Spring Beer.
“Our ESB blends the best of English tradition with the boldness of West Coast style. Featuring English ingredients, we added a Sierra Nevada twist by leaving the ale unfiltered, which enhances mouthfeel and hop aroma creating a slightly reddish-copper hue,”
That, according to their press release, is how Sierra Nevada’s founder/owner, Ken Grossman, describes the traditional English Bitter. The press release continues
The 2008 ESB features England’s premier heritage malt, Maris Otter, and is blended with Canadian two-row malt to create a uniquely rich, malty sweetness. With the addition of hand-selected English Challenger hops (used for their earthy spiciness) and blended with U.S. Goldings, the beer presents a woodsy-cedar note and a slight citrusy aroma.
If rumors have it right, we can expect a couple more special releases from these guys in 2008. Let’s hope so.
Enough said? I’ll be looking for answers soon, but it appears this is not a ‘one-time’ deal celebrating 25 years, as the COLA application stipulates that the years can change. While the label looks nice and classy and all, I know I am not alone in lamenting the loss of the iconic label for one of my favorite beers.
