Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. 'Atomic Torpedo' Juicy West Coast IPA Beer, California

Lush tropical fruit, bright citrus, and sticky pine surge forward with the intensity of a full-strength Imperial IPA. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co's 'Atomic Torpedo' Juicy West Coast IPA Beer brings juicy IPA fruit character together with the resinous structure of the West Coast tradition, now amplified from its original 8.2% formulation to 9.2% ABV. Driven by four hop varieties and Sierra Nevada’s proprietary dry-hopping technology, it continues the brewery’s decades-long pursuit of increasingly expressive hop character.

Product Details:

• Owners: Grossman family
• Founder: Ken Grossman
• ABV: 9.2%
• IBU: 42
• Malt: Honey, Two-row Pale
• Hops: Cascade, Centennial, Magnum, Mosaic
• Yeast: Ale yeast
• Dry-Hopping: Hop Torpedo dry-hopping system
• Carbohydrates: 18.8 g
• Calories: 272
• Protein: 3.6 g

Sensory Description:

Lush tropical fruit and ripe citrus lead the aromatics, followed by grapefruit peel, floral hops, and a distinctly resinous pine character. The palate is bold and concentrated, with juicy fruit providing breadth before citrus and sticky pine bring the profile back toward classic West Coast IPA territory. Honey and Two-row Pale malts provide enough foundation for the substantial hop load and 9.2% ABV, while 42 IBU of bitterness adds definition without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is assertive and persistent, carrying citrus peel, resin, and lingering hop intensity.

Brewer's Background:

Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in 1980 after years of homebrewing and operating a homebrew supply shop, assembling his original commercial brewhouse largely from repurposed dairy equipment. His early fascination with whole-cone Cascade hops helped establish the intensely aromatic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and contributed to the emerging American craft beer movement. The brewery remains 100% family-owned and operated, with production on both coasts and hop-focused experimentation still central to its identity. Atomic Torpedo extends that history through Sierra Nevada’s proprietary Hop Torpedo, a dry-hopping device that circulates beer through tightly packed hops to maximize aromatic extraction. Originally released at 8.2% ABV as a Double IPA, Atomic Torpedo has since been intensified to 9.2% ABV and positioned as an Imperial IPA that connects juicy fruit character with the pine and citrus structure associated with West Coast brewing.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 8 to 11 degrees Celsius in an IPA glass or tulip to give its tropical fruit, citrus, and pine aromatics room to develop while keeping the substantial alcohol and bitterness composed. Pair with barbecue, grilled burgers, spicy fried chicken, carnitas, smoked pork, buffalo wings, sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or richly seasoned dishes that can stand alongside its concentrated hop character and 9.2% ABV.