Sierra Nevada Hoptimum

Hoptimum
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Chico, California
10.40% ABV
Style: Imperial IPA

C: Clear
H: Amber-ish in color
N: Strong floral and earthy hop qualities. A hint of sweetness is also present (I assume the malt build).

The Ferm: So far the coolest label this year has to go to the boys in Chico California. Typically Sierra Nevada is boring with their marketing and labels. Hey what works for them works. They are one of the largest craft breweries to date, and they put out some damn fine beers. Hoptimum is a bit of a different story though. Just look at the label art....How Cool!
OK, well the label can help sell the beer but the taste will be what brings people back. It is the season of Imperial IPAs first it was HopSlam & Nugget Nector, then it was Hoptimum and Pliny the Younger. All are amazing (haven't had PtY yet, but I can imagine) but they are all different. So without trying to compare Hoptimum directly to the other three that I have had....yeah that won't happen.
Hoptimum unlike Nugget Nector and Hop Slam seems to be more earthy hop bitterness in the aroma and taste. Very piney and viscous, not nearly as sweet as HopSlam (which I like) and not as malty as Nugget Nector (which I like as well). At 10.4% this beer will kick you on your ass, as it only comes in bombers, and the 12oz. bottles would be a perfect severing of this beer.
Overall a very well brewed beer with a kick ass label.

Score: 4.752