In this episode of A Woman’s Brew, we’re tackling a proper American craft beer classic: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale! 🍺 This is one of those beers that’s been getting people into craft beer for decades, and we’re finding out whether this accessible, fridge-filling favourite deserves its place on our bucket list. We taste the beer, chat about its beautifully balanced bitterness, citrus and pine aromas, and that lovely hint of burnt caramel, before getting into the American Pale Ale style guidelines. Naturally, there’s some nerding out over hops, malt and barley along the way. We also explore how Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in 1980, from homebrewing and a shop in Chico to building brewing equipment from scrap dairy machinery. Turns out, a little ingenuity and a whole lot of hops can go a long way! But the biggest surprise? Sierra Nevada Pale Ale won gold in the American-style ESB category at the 2025 World Beer Cup! We discuss why the brewery entered it in that category, what it tells us about beer styles and how our idea of a “standard” beer changes over time. We also compare the original Pale Ale with a bottle-conditioned National Park Series version, explore the story behind Sierra Nevada’s collaboration with the National Park Foundation, and dig into Untappd and BeerAdvocate ratings. Along the way, we talk awards, serving glasses, food pairings and whether this iconic beer tastes different depending on how you get it. We finish with our verdict on whether Sierra Nevada Pale Ale belongs on your beer bucket list (spoiler: we have thoughts!). So grab a beer, join us for a little craft beer history, and let us know: have you tried Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, and do you think it deserves its bucket-list status? Sierra Nevada website:https://sierranevada.com/about-us Beer and Brewing article:https://www.beerandbrewing.com/an-ode-to-sierra-nevada-pale-ale Beer Connoisseur report on the ESB award:https://beerconnoisseur.com/sierra-nevada-pale-ale-esb-world-beer-cup/ Brew Bound article:https://www.brewbound.com/news/sierra-nevada-arms-wholesalers-with-license-to-sell-in-fight-against-craft-beer-declines-refreshed-packaging-to-roll-in-2027?  Get in Touch:Website: https://awomansbrewpod.beer/Email: [email protected]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awomansbrew/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWomansBrewTori: @adventures_in_hoptimismJoanne: @lovebeerlearningJo’s website: http://www.lovebeerlearning.co.ukSupport us: https://ko-fi.com/awomansbrew Join our 2025 drinking challenge here Subscribe:PodbeaniTunesSpotifyTuneIn Watch:YouTube Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com