Head to Head: Terrapin Rye Pale Ale vs. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Welcome to another Head to Head challenge. Today we have some more American Pale Ales. Both are from America. The first beer is the Terrapin Rye Pale Ale from Georgia. The second beer is the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale from California.

As usual the tasting was done blind and to style.

Price: Winner – Sierra by a few dimes.

Terrapin – $8.99 (6 pack 12 oz bottles)

Sierra – $8.79 (6 pack 12 oz bottles)

Appearance: Winner – Tie

Terrapin – This pours a yellowish amber with a small off white head. The head leaves some lace and quickly disappears.

Sierra – Pours a yellowish amber color with a small white head with some lacing left on the glass.

Aroma: Winner – Terrapin

Terrapin – The rye has a very light aroma of cereal, some citrus and a bit of nice hop aroma.

Sierra – It has a faint hop aroma with some citrus but this does not have much aroma.

Taste: Winner – Terrapin

Terrapin – Starts moderately bitter but the sweetness and rye flavor take control.

Sierra –There is a light bitterness to start that does not develop any further.

Body/Finish: Winner – Terrapin

Terrapin – The body is light to medium and the aftertaste has a reasonable amount of bitterness.

Sierra – The light body is accompanied by a short aftertaste with a light bitterness.

Overall: Winner – Terrapin
Well I think that seals it for the Sierra Nevada. Four comparisons and four losses. It is not a bad beer it just is nothing special. The Terrapin though has nice aroma and flavor. Fits within the style of a good American Pale Ale and has just enough rye character to be memorable. I would happily have it around as an easy drinking beer for hot summer days.

~ by alelagerlambic on April 23, 2008.