Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in style. And that is great news for the rest of us. They’ve brewed four unique beers as a collaboration between the founders of the American craft brewing industry. You can read about the project here. I encourage you to spend a little time checking it out. You’ll get a feel for a few of the legends who are responsible for bringing beer out of the drab “American pilsner” like era and into the explosion of flavors we have available today.

The first of the series to be released is Fritz and Ken’s Ale, a wonderfully thick and chewy imperial stout.  Fritz Maytag took over (and saved) the Anchor Brewing company in 1965 and “changed the face of American beer forever” with his Anchor Steam. Ken Grossman started up Sierra Nevada brewing company in 1980 and I certainly don’t need to convince you of their consistent quality and innovation.

I picked up a bottle of Fritz and Ken’s Ale at Worden’s Market a week or so ago, but, as has happened several times recently, didn’t have to pop it open to give it a try.  It is on tap at the Rhino in Missoula and if you’re a fan of stouts I recommend running down there at your next chance.  This stout pours jet black with a thick light tan head. It has a roasted malt aroma and a full, creamy mouth feel. Thick, chewy, rich and deep, there’s lots of roasted malt flavor and a coffee bite.  It starts creamy and smooth and finishes with a strong, robust coffee/roasted malt bite.  Stouts have always been one of my favorite styles and Fritz and Ken’s Ale is a most worthy celebration of these brewing giants.

Name:  Fritz and Ken’s Ale
Brewery: Sierra Nevada, Chico, CA.
Style: Imperial Stout.
Color:  Black, with light tan head.
Packaging: draft and 22 oz. bottle.
Stats: 9.2% abv, ? IBU.
Bought: draft at The Rhino, bottle at Worden’s Market.
Ruling: Four and a half out of Five Hops. Outstanding imperial stout.