Celebration IPA lands here this week

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has officially launched the 2024 release of Celebration Fresh Hop IPA. It should begin appearing this week at craft beer outlets across West Virginia, according to North Central Distributors.

Surely one of our favorite seasonal beers, Celebration brings it with beautiful, well-balanced American hop flavors. As the brewery tells it: Freshly picked hops, rushed from farm to brewery, fill Celebration IPA with powerful citrus and pine flavors. Pure hops, balanced with rich caramel malt, make this a celebration in every sip.

The beer is all about celebrating the hop harvest season and showcases the intensely aromatic and flavorful characteristics of freshly harvested hops. It is available through December, or while supplies last.

My favorite late fall beer

Earlier this month the announcement that Sierra Nevada had released its 2024 vintage of Celebration IPA sent my palate into anticipation. I made a mental note to call my local Sierra Nevada distributor (North Central Distributors) to find out when it will hit my local retailers. 

My old mind tells me it was probably in the latter 1990s when I tried my first Celebration ale. I will admit, I found it a bit more hoppy than I liked at the time.

Fast forward to the mid-2000s. By then my palate had become more acclimated to the power and flavor of Pacific Northwest hops. After drinking Victory Hop Devils and a bunch of Stone Arrogant Bastards, I had begun enjoying the flavor and punch of hops in my beer. 

This acclimation to hops allowed me to truly appreciate the beauty of the fresh hop style of Celebration IPA. It wasn’t overpowering, but nuanced. It wasn’t overly bitter, but balanced. 

To this day, Celebration IPA is my go to beer for November. I always try to enjoy it then, when it is still very fresh. Celebration IPA is a staple at my Thanksgiving dinner table. I am so thankful for fresh harvested hops and for brewers who know how to use them.

Learn more about the beer at Celebration Fresh Hop IPA.

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Images in this article are from Sierra Nevada Brewing