The world of craft beer is rich with traditions and annual events that excite enthusiasts and professionals alike. Among these, one name stands out in the minds and hearts of beer lovers: Sierra Nevada Brewing’s Celebration IPA. This much-anticipated seasonal release marks not only the arrival of the holiday season but also signifies the conclusion of the hop harvest. For many, it embodies the spirit of celebration, both for the season and for craft brewing.
Introduced decades ago, Celebration IPA has consistently drawn beer aficionados due to its exceptional balance of flavors and aromas. At 6.8% ABV, it builds upon the success of Sierra Nevada’s flagship Pale Ale, which sits at 5.6% ABV. The higher alcohol content and the utilization of fresh hops contribute to a more robust and satisfying experience that suits the colder months. Beer industry expert Doug Veliky, who writes for the Beer Crunchers blog, even posits that it is the “Greatest of All Time” in terms of winter seasonal releases.
The importance of Celebration IPA extends beyond just being a drinking experience. It represents significant moments in the brewing calendar, merging the joys of hop harvest with the festive atmosphere of the upcoming holidays. What is particularly intriguing is how Sierra Nevada has navigated the holiday season—while many brews lean heavily into Christmas imagery, Celebration avoids overt references, creating a product that can be enjoyed from Thanksgiving to the New Year and beyond.
The Enigmatic Celly Drippins
In recent years, Sierra Nevada has introduced a highly specialized variant known as Celly Drippins, available exclusively in their Mills River, North Carolina taproom. This version is crafted using the drippings from the hop bags employed to dry hop the standard Celebration. The process involves collecting the small amounts of beer that drip from the bags before they can be removed, resulting in a more intensely hopped and richer experience for the consumer.
The labor-intense method to create Celly Drippins is a testament to the craftsmanship of Sierra Nevada’s brewers. According to Scott Jennings, the Technical Brewmaster, the complexity of retrieving the hop bags takes a coordinated effort. The fact that Celly Drippins originated as a thank-you gift for staff further underscores its exclusive appeal. What started as a simple gesture has transformed into a sought-after item, with customers proactively reaching out to the taproom to inquire about availability.
A Growing Buzz
The buzz surrounding Celly Drippins has grown exponentially, with requests pouring in long before its annual release each November. Brian Grossman, the Chief Brewer and second-generation owner of Sierra Nevada, acknowledged the enthusiastic response, stating that they received inquiries about the 2024 batch as early as August. As a result, this year marks the first time the release will be publicly announced, a strategic move designed to enhance community engagement and allow fans to plan their visit to the taproom.
Given that the production of Celly Drippins is directly tied to that of Celebration, the quantities produced are tightly limited—often only five to seven barrels each year. This exclusivity further amplifies its desirability. The stark reality is that only a limited number of attendees can experience Celly Drippins before it vanishes from the taproom, sometimes within mere days. This scarcity naturally generates a sense of urgency among craft beer enthusiasts, underscoring the allure of this special release.
Celly Drippins offers drinkers a unique perspective on its flagship counterpart. Jennings describes it as undeniably connected to Celebration but distinct due to the accentuated hop character. As different hop varieties are used each year, the flavor profile of Celly Drippins can dramatically shift. One year you might encounter floral notes, while the next could introduce strong pine flavors—resulting in a product that embodies the unpredictability and thrill of craft brewing.
This transformation year-to-year is part of what creates a cult following around this endeavor. Fans don’t just want to drink Celly Drippins; they desire to experience the seasonal essence of crafting, celebrating each vibrant character shift with a sense of anticipation that mimics their own personal celebrations.
As Sierra Nevada Brewing prepares for the release of Celly Drippins on November 22, 2024, anticipation reaches a fever pitch. This release symbolizes the marriage of craft brewing tradition with the artisanal spirit, capturing both the harvest and holiday celebrations in a single brew. As fans gather to raise a glass in the taproom, the shared experience serves as a reminder of the community that thrives around exceptional craft beer. With Celly Drippins, Sierra Nevada not only honors the past but also continues to create lasting traditions for future generations of beer lovers.
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