It’s no secret that Sierra Nevada is one of my favorite breweries, both for its classics like Pale Ale, and newer beers that use novel ingredients and brewing methods. Powder Day IPA is a good example of the latter, and it’s this week’s Beer Pick.

Beer Pick

Sierra Nevada Powder Day IPA

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, Calif. and Mills River, NC

Available on draft and in 6-pack and 12-pack 12-ounce cans

Profile

A study in the creative use of lupulin powder and double dry-hopping, Sierra Nevada’s new winter seasonal, Powder Day, is one the best and brightest beers I’ve had in a long time. The recipe melds Munich, two-row pale, and wheat malts, with Amarillo, Chinook, Comet, Citra, Herkules, Idaho 7, Mosaic, and Polaris hops. The result is a beautiful blend of citrus, cantaloupe and pineapple aromas and flavors in what drinks like a cleverly updated West Coast IPA.

Pair with

At 7.7% percent alcohol, Powder Day isn’t a small beer. But I’ve tried it with a grilled tri-tip and cheese sandwich, and plate of sausages and mash, and both made a pleasing pairing.

Sign up for the AJC Food and Dining Newsletter

Read more stories like this by liking Atlanta Restaurant Scene on Facebook, following @ATLDiningNews on Twitter and @ajcdining on Instagram.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Staff pose outside the restaurant Aria in Atlanta on Thursday. The restaurant is a 2025 James Beard Foundation award finalist in the outstanding hospitality category. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com