Day 27, 1.27.11, Sierra Nevada - Brewer's Reserve

Stopped at Toronado in the Haight for a beer after work.  It's a divey beer bar with a terrific tap selection and really loud, aggressive music.  This was my third time there, and the staff always reminds me that they are way cooler than everyone else (especially me).  Preserve your dignity if you go and don't ask any questions, or for any recommendations.  Just pick a beer off the big board and tip your dollar.  Boo.

Phil and the end of my Brewer's Reserve

-Toronado Pros-
•Great taps
•Near many late-night food choices
•Planet Earth playing crocodiles vs. zebras and water buffalo on the tv
•Dutch Door

-Toronado Cons-
•Pretentious, rude bartenders
•Music
•Kind of a dive

Toranado: 7 out of 10

I grabbed a glass of Sierra Nevada's Brewer's Reserve.
This is their 30th Anniversary ale and is a blend of Bigfoot Barleywine, Celebration Ale and the classic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.  It's dry hopped and oak aged.  And it's really quite solid.
It's a big, red, sticky, 9.2% ABV ale with plenty of character and a kick.  It has a nice creamy head, and a full malty body.
There is brown sugar and oak character, as well as a bit of nuttiness and a light bit of smoke.
And then there is hops.  A big punch of piny, resiny hop flavor and a fair bunch of bitterness.  I'm glad they weren't pouring pints of it; my 12 ounces or so was plenty.  In fact I think this would best be served at about 6 ounces in a nice big goblet.  A great big beer with a lot going on.
8 out of 10.