Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s Pale Ale is a beer that needs no introduction.   You’ve almost certainly had one or six in the past, and it’s available nation-wide.   Why would I review a beer that all you readers have already tried?   Simple…I believe this beer deserves it.  To me this is one of two beers (Samuel Adams Boston Lager being the other) that epitomize the success of modern craft brewing in the United States.   This is one of the two beers that sets the standard for brewing high quality beer with care, and still being able to make it widely available for the enjoyment of a general national audience.  But I digress.   The beer:   This is a classic American Pale Ale in all it’s hoppy glory.  The nose is slightly bready, with some floral notes.   The middle is bursting with clean bitter pine, and a hint of orange peel.  The finish is pine and bread.  It’s a medium-bodied beer, and clean and crisp all the way through.  There’s nothing outlandish about this beer, but it excels in its simplicity.  This is one of my favorites for a hot summer evening.