Revisiting A Good Beer
Sierra Nevada’s Bigfoot Ale has been brewed every year for the past 25. Over the years I’ve had it probably 10 different times beginning with my first taste of it back in 1995. Last year I reviewed the 2009 version and liked it quite a bit. So, when the 2010 batch came out I got a six pack and tried one to see how it compares to last years version:
The 2010 Bigfoot is a very good beer, once again. I think that I liked it a bit more than the 2009 version, mainly due to my palate becoming a bit more practiced. Here is what I said about it last year:
This is a big Barleywine with lots and lots of hops. The hops are all over this beer but don’t overpower it because of the large amount of malt that is used. There is a fair amount of sweetness, as there should be with a barleywine. The ABV is 9.6%
The beer pours a nice dark golden amber and has a creamy head that sticks around a bit. When you smell the beer you get that typical barleywine sweetness but there is also a distinct hop smell that is right behind the sweetness. The taste is a lot like the smell with the hops providing a pine/citrus complement to the sweetness and fruit of the malt.
This is a good beer. It drinks well but is a bit “harsh” because of the hops. I don’t mean harsh in a bad way at all, just that the hops adds that slight level of bitterness that makes the beer a little unique. It might not be for everyone, especially those that are not fans of hoppy beers, which is perfectly fine. I, on the other hand, really enjoyed the beer. I even have a couple of “extras” set aside to drink later.
I would say just about everything the same this time except that the hop “harshness” I got last year wasn’t there this time. The drinkability is a bit better as well. I think these changes are a result of the last year’s worth of reviews. I can still highly recommend Bigfoot 2010. Get some if you can and set a few aside for later (I’ll be cellering three of them myself)!
Here is the score:
- Appearance- 8 points (out of 10)
- Smell- 8 points (out of 10)
- Taste- 17 points (out of 20)
- Drinkability- 7 points (out of 10)
Total 40 (out of 50) Points- A 4 Mug Rating
ABV 9.6%
Approximate Calories
265-305 (12oz)
If you follow chatter on sites like Beeradvocate, you would see that many people absolutely love this beer. Having had it the last two years, I think it is one of those beers that suffers from being over-hyped. I like the beer, and is a good example of a barley wine, but I don’t think it is out of this world like many others do.
I bought a six-pack of these the first day they were available in my area, and will probably buy another 6-pack soon. I plan on cellaring 9 of them and drinking them throughout this year and next.
I haven’t had a ton of Barley Wines but Bigfoot is pretty good. I wouldn’t call it “out of this world” either. I’m definitely keeping a few though to see how they age.
Bigfoot is consistantly one of my favorites. I have yet to have this years batch.
You should save a couple to do a vertical tasting(that is if you have any left over from ’09)
I am new to your reviews, but I dig ‘em, keep them rolling out brotha!
Hi Chad!
I’m glad you found my little corner of the internet and enjoy my reviews!
I wish I had a few extra bottles of the ’09 version but I don’t. I am saving 3-4 of this years though so I can do a vertical next year or the year after.
Keep reading/watching, I’ve got a bunch of great beers to review.
I am pretty sure that Great Divide makes it’s way out there to Georgia, you should give “Old Ruffian” a try. One of my favorite American Barleywines. Also, Hog Heaven by Avery is quite tasty.. Both really hoppy when fresh and get better with time.
I have seen Old Ruffian, just haven’t picked it up yet. I’ve got probably too much beer right now (I know, terrible) so I might not get one for a while.