Sierra Nevada Brewing Co Torpedo

Torpedo is Sierra Nevada's American IPA from California, listed at 7.2% ABV and 65 IBU. That puts it in the firmly hoppy middle of the style: assertive bitterness, but not the extreme end of the scale. The brewery's approach centers on dry-hopping, which adds hop aroma late without piling on harsh bitterness, and the result leans on citrus and pine. Expect grapefruit-peel and resin notes up front, with a malt backbone underneath that keeps the beer from tipping into pure bitterness. Beers at this strength and bitterness typically finish dry-ish with a lingering hop snap, so the malt is there to support the hops rather than sweeten the glass. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 4 to 7°C (40 to 45°F). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop oils stay muted and the aroma flattens out; a few minutes on the counter lets the citrus and pine come forward. An IPA glass or a tulip is the best choice, since the narrowing top concentrates the dry-hop aroma. A standard pint glass or shaker pint works fine if that's what you have. Pour with a little vigor to build a head, which carries the hop aromatics. The resinous bitterness and 7.2% ABV hold up to rich or spicy food. Burgers with sharp cheddar, carnitas tacos, jerk chicken, and Thai or Indian curries all suit it, because the bitterness cuts through fat and the carbonation resets the palate between bites. Sharp, aged cheeses and spicy buffalo wings are classic matches too, and the citrus character works well against grilled meats with a bit of char. It is less well suited to delicate fish or light salads, where the hops would dominate.