Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale

This is a 5.5% ABV aptly named "Autumn Brown Ale" from Sierra Nevada.  This was in this year's fall pack.  Sierra Nevada is from Chico, California, but now has a new brewery in Mills River, North Carolina. Let me just say up front that I think Sierra Nevada has long been one of the most consistent craft brewers in the country.  Although they don't make a lot of "whales" it is rare that one of their offerings does not please.  Even styles that I don't particularly like, I find that they do well.

The beer pours a deep brown, with tints of near garnet. There is an inch of thick, foamy light tan head. The aroma is mild, roasted and toasted malt, light fruit, like plums with a touch of bittering hops. The taste is roasted and toasted malt, nearing dark roasted, mild char, nutty, earthy, a hint of sweetness, with a crisp, dry finish, mildly bitter. It drinks easy, with a refreshing, mildly stinging carbonation. This reminds me of burning leaves in the distance on a cool fall evening, very drinkable and enjoyable.

2010 bottle: