The Year in Beer

Name: Juniper Black Ale

Brewer: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, Calif.

By the numbers: About 240 calories per 12 oz.; 8 percent alcohol by volume

Notes: This is the third in my series of Sierra Nevada Beer Camp beers. It was first brewed at the 2009 Beer Camp. This one was a bit more challenging than the first two, thanks to the seven malts that give this one its rich dark color and complex chocolate and toffee undertones. It poured with a thick tan head that lasted quite a while. The taste was like a stout or porter with a woody malty flavor. It wasn’t overly bittered by the German and Slovenian hops, but the addition of juniper berries gave it a distinct pine finish. If you like malty, dark beers then this will probably be your favorite of the Camp beers in the variety pack.

Try it with: The onset of fall. I’m certainly hoping we hold onto warmer weather at least through early October, but once football practice starts and Oktoberfest beers start hitting the shelves, you know the inevitable will arrive. This beer would be great around a nice fire pit outside or a fireplace inside.

    — Posted by Mike Freimann