Sierra Nevada Beer Camp Yvan the Great: Collaboration with Russian River. Belgian Pale Ale 6.3% ABV.
Out of the entire Beer Camp 12 pack, this was the one I was most excited to try. I have looked and looked for Russian River beers for a few years now, hoping a store might get a bottle or two in of their stuff. I know they don't really distribute East Coast, but one can dream. The only thing of theirs I've ever tried was another collaboration. They did a beer with Avery (Colorado) called Collaboration not Litigation. This beer was a Belgian strong, and was pretty decent but nothing I would spend that kind of money on twice. Nevertheless, once I saw Sierra Nevada was including them in the beer camp, I was excited to try it, regardless of the style. The beer I sampled for this review is a Belgian style pale ale, or blonde ale. Russian River is known for their sours and IPAs, but this will have to do! Anyways, on to the official review.
Served chilled in a 12 oz bottle and poured into a snifter. Pours a beautiful golden color with a half finger white foam head. Smells of lemon, citrus, yeast, coriander and other spices. Carbonation and body are on the medium side. The taste is like the smell. A citrusy zest with banana combines with a yeasty and malty taste with a strong spicy finish.
Overall a pretty solid beer here. I rarely buy blonde ales, but I would actually rebuy this. I'm glad I got to try another Russian River collaboration, and will continue my search for more of their products. Additionally, a good start for my 2 weeks of beer camp!
86/100
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