For those who appreciate the nuanced flavors of craft beer, the annual release of Sierra Nevada Brewing’s Celebration IPA stands as a shining tradition. Beer aficionados eagerly await its debut each year, heralding it not only as a testament to the changing seasons but also as a celebration of the hop harvest. Its robust character, boasting a 6.8% ABV compared to its flagship Pale Ale’s 5.6%, offers a standout choice for the colder months, transforming the way we embrace winter brews.
Celebration IPA isn’t just any seasonal release; it serves as a ritual for many beer drinkers and industry professionals alike. Doug Veliky, Chief Marketing Officer at Revolution Brewing, takes a bold stance by labeling Celebration the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) among winter seasonals. Its flavor profile combines familiarity with a deeper complexity. In contrast with typical winter brews that lean heavily on spiced or sweet flavors, Celebration has a brighter hop character that captivates the palate without the baggage of heavy malt sweetness, making it both refreshing and satisfying during the colder months.
What makes Celebration particularly special is its absence of overt holiday themes. Instead of relying on Christmas iconography, Sierra Nevada has created a beer that can be enjoyed throughout the fall and winter seasons. This relatively neutral branding opens the door for enjoyment both before and after the holiday rush, broadening its seasonal appeal.
Beyond the mainstream excitement surrounding Celebration lies an intriguing lesser-known treasure: Celly Drippins. This special version of Celebration, brewed in limited quantities exclusively at Sierra Nevada’s Mills River, North Carolina taproom, draws curiosity and fervor from dedicated fans. The brewing process involves collecting the “drippings” from the dry hop bags utilized in making Celebration, resulting in a product that is even more intensely hopped and unique.
Scott Jennings, Technical Brewmaster at Sierra Nevada, explains the behind-the-scenes magic involved. The logistics of retrieving these hop bags are complex, requiring multiple hands and precision timing. This process leads to a small but concentrated amount of beer that embodies the essence of Celebration but heightens the hop experience. Initially designed to fill growlers as thank-you gifts for staff, word of Celly Drippins spread quickly, transforming it into a sought-after commodity.
Building a Community Around Limited Releases
What started as an internal gesture has morphed into an event that prompts fierce interest and excitement in the craft beer community. With patrons calling ahead to find out when Celly Drippins will be available, it has developed an almost cult-like following. Brian Grossman, Chief Brewer and second-generation owner of Sierra Nevada, notes that inquiries about the release often begin as early as August or September—before even the mainstream release of Celebration IPA. Recognizing the demand, this year marked the first public announcement of Celly Drippins, aimed not just at sharing a delectable beer but also at fostering a sense of community that comes from shared anticipation and celebration.
Given a production ratio of around 5,000 cans of Celebration yielding merely a single can of Celly Drippins, accessibility remains limited. In fact, only five to seven barrels are produced each year, making it one of the most exclusive offerings from Sierra Nevada. The slow sell-out of this special beer reflects the growing fascination surrounding it, and the scarcity only adds to its allure.
Those fortunate enough to sample Celly Drippins are treated to a unique tapestry of flavors. Jennings emphasizes the distinctiveness originating from the varying combinations of hops each year, resulting in a diverse tasting experience. With floral notes sometimes shining through Geraniol or punchy pine flavors coming to the forefront, Celly Drippins emerges as a beer that showcases the artistry involved in hop cultivation and brewing.
As anticipation builds for the release of Celly Drippins on November 22, 2024, it serves not only as an enticing option for beer enthusiasts but also as an invitation to join Sierra Nevada in a communal toast to the season. Celebrating their craft, the brewery highlights how profound dedication and creativity can create remarkable experiences, contributing to a vibrant culture that surrounds craft beer.
Celly Drippins captures the spirit of what makes Sierra Nevada Brewing unique—innovation rooted in tradition. By nurturing both seasonal classics and their enticing offshoots, Sierra Nevada continues to engage and inspire a generation of beer lovers, ensuring that the holiday season is one filled with rich flavors and unforgettable experiences.