Tropical Torpedo is an American IPA brewed by the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. For the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in an IPA glass from a 12 oz. bottle.
Packaging art for the Tropical Torpedo by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
What You Need to Know
The Tropical Torpedo is a fruitier version of the Torpedo Extra IPA. But like that beer, the Tropical Torpedo uses Sierra Nevada’s Hop Torpedo system that controls the flow of hops to maximize their aroma and flavor.
Appearance
The IPA pours a crystal-clear golden orange and is topped by a generous cap of rocky white foam that shows modest retention. Abundant lace clings to the sides following the reduction. A soapy collar rounds the glass.
Check Out the Latest News Article
Aroma
The aroma is faint and even a bit musty at first. However, thankfully, as the beer warms, sweet notes mango and guava take over.
Flavor
The palate begins with tangerine and mellow pine atop a base of biscuit. A tangy bite of grapefruit and orange peel is followed by a hoppy blend of herb and lemon. The bitterness lingers through the finish and is mellowed by a flash of sweet pineapple.
Label art for the Tropical Torpedo by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Mouthfeel
The feel is relatively smooth and its body is a little chewy and a shade over medium. Its carbonation is moderate and the finish is dry and astringent.
Overall
The Tropical Torpedo’s aroma is lovely but it’s a bit too faint. Its palate has a nice malt backbone to balance a quite hoppy mix of tropical fruit and citrus flavors. And even if its feel is a little thick, its dry bitterness makes this brew easily crushed. The Tropical Torpedo is a solid but not necessarily spectacular offering from Sierra Nevada.
Recommended Pairings
Sierra Nevada recommends the following food pairings with their Tropical Torpedo IPA: spicy Szechwan beef, jerk chicken, Thai green tofu curry, aged Monterey Jack cheese, Asiago; sweets of key lime pie, and kiwi trifle.
