Sierra Nevada more or less wrote the book on American hoppy beer, and Torpedo is its flagship IPA. Named after the torpedo, a device the brewery invented to pack whole-cone hops into the beer, it is a bold, piney, classic West Coast IPA. It is one of the most reliable big IPAs in America. I picked up a batch for this guide.
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA at a glance
| Style | West Coast IPA |
| ABV | 7.2% |
| Calories | Around 220 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Sierra Nevada, California, USA |
| Character | Pine, grapefruit, citrus, caramel malt |
| Best served | Cold, in an IPA glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a bold, resinous West Coast IPA, big on pine and citrus hops with a firm malt backbone.
The full review
It pours a clear deep gold with a dense white head. The aroma is a classic West Coast hop hit, pine, grapefruit and orange citrus with a resinous edge.
The flavour is bold and hop-forward. There is a wave of piney, resinous and grapefruit-citrus hop character, a firm caramel-malt backbone to carry it and a dry, assertive bitterness on the finish. At 7.2% it has some weight but stays clean rather than heavy.
That balance of big hops and solid malt is the essence of a West Coast IPA, and Torpedo nails it. It is punchy and bitter without being harsh, and the whole-cone hops give it a bright, fresh character. A dependable, high-quality big IPA.
A West Coast IPA classic from the brewery that helped create the style. If you like bold, piney, bitter IPAs, it is essential.
That balance of big hops and solid malt is the essence of a West Coast IPA, and Torpedo nails it.
- A West Coast IPA classic
- Bold pine, citrus and grapefruit hops
- Firm malt backbone and clean finish
- Reliable and widely available
- Bitterness may be too much for some
- At 7.2% it is not a session beer
Who it is for
If you love bold, piney, bitter West Coast IPAs, Torpedo is a benchmark. Perfect for hop lovers who want a classic rather than a hazy.
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA FAQs
What is a West Coast IPA?
A West Coast IPA is a clear, hop-forward IPA with bold pine, resin and citrus flavours, a firm malt backbone and an assertive, dry bitterness. It is the classic American IPA style, in contrast to the softer, juicier hazy IPA. Torpedo is a benchmark example.
What does Sierra Nevada Torpedo taste like?
A bold hit of pine, grapefruit and orange-citrus hops over a firm caramel-malt backbone, with a dry, assertive bitterness. At 7.2% it has weight but stays clean.
Why is it called Torpedo?
It is named after the torpedo, a stainless-steel device Sierra Nevada invented to pack whole-cone hops into the beer during conditioning, giving it a bright, fresh hop character.
Where to buy Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA is available across the US in bottles and cans. Buy it using the button above.
The verdict
Sierra Nevada Torpedo is a West Coast IPA classic, bold and resinous with pine, citrus and grapefruit hops over a solid malt backbone. Punchy but clean, it is a benchmark big IPA from a legendary brewery.
FAQs
Who makes Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA?
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA is brewed by Sierra Nevada (independently, family-owned by founder Ken Grossman).
What kind of beer is Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA?
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA is a West Coast IPA, at 7.2% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA?
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA has an ABV of 7.2%.
How many calories are in Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA?
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA has Around 220 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA made?
Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA is brewed by Sierra Nevada in California, USA. For more from that country, see our best Usa beers guide.
What is a good alternative to Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA?
If you can’t find Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA, Reuben’s Brews Crikey! IPA is a close alternative in the same West Coast IPA category.
How do I open Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA?
Cold, in an IPA glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
