United Nations of Beer

Sierra Nevada Beer Shirt : Red

by Tom Warin
(Salem, MA)

http://www.boozingear.com/details/Sierra%20Nevada/41-4503

How quickly we get used to the status quo. It's hard to believe now, but there was a time when it was not possible to get a world class American Pale Ale in thousands of liquor stores and bars across the country. When Sierra Nevada debuted their Pale Ale in 1981, it was revolutionary. An American beer that built on a classic British style by adding unique US hops and not being shy about it. Sierra Nevada blazed a path that many followed, leading to the amazing selection of world class beers now available in the US.

Along the way, we started to take Sierra Nevada a little for granted. That ubiquitous stubby green bottle still contained a refreshing, hoppy elixir, but there were so many new things to try, so many new brewers pushing the boundaries. But there's always pleasure to be had from reconnecting with an old friend. If most of Sierra Nevada's beers no longer seem revolutionary, they remain well-made and worth revisiting.

This tee-shirt from boozinggear.com celebrates Sierra Nevada brewing and their early beers: Pale Ale, Porter and Stout. Each of these beers defined a new style. Pale Ale, Porter and Stout are styles that came out of the British Isles, but by increasing the strength, pushing the hops levels up and aiming for a bolder flavor, Sierra Nevada claimed these beers for the restless drinkers of the US, and for drinkers around the world who were ready for somebody to shake things up. Stay classy, Sierra Nevada!