Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. 'West Ghost' Modern West Coast IPA Beer, California

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.'s 'West Ghost' Modern West Coast IPA Beer brings a contemporary edge to the bright, bitter tradition of West Coast IPA. At 7.2% ABV and 60 IBU, it pairs an understated malt foundation with an aggressive combination of Amarillo, Citra, Idaho 7, and Magnum hops. Citrus, sweet fruit, and woodsy dank character lead the way, while a clear appearance, crisp structure, and remarkably clean finish keep this hop-heavy apparition sharp and focused.

Product Details:

• Founder: Ken Grossman
• ABV: 7.2%
• IBU: 60
• Hops: Amarillo, Citra, Idaho 7, Magnum
• Malts: Carapils, Two-Row Pale
• Yeast: Ale
• Carbohydrates: 11.8 g
• Calories: 200
• Protein: 2.36 g

Sensory Description:

Clear and crisp, West Ghost opens with an assertive hop profile shaped by Amarillo, Citra, Idaho 7, and Magnum. Citrus and sweet-fruit notes emerge alongside a distinctly woodsy, dank edge, while the restrained Carapils and Two-Row Pale malt foundation stays deliberately in the background. Firm bitterness gives the beer its classic West Coast backbone without weighing down the palate. The finish is exceptionally clean and quick, leaving vivid hop character rather than lingering malt sweetness.

Brewer's Background:

Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in 1980 after years of homebrewing and operating a homebrew supply shop in Chico. Working with a brewhouse assembled largely from repurposed equipment, Grossman built the brewery around an unusually strong enthusiasm for hops, with Sierra Nevada Pale Ale becoming one of the formative beers of the American craft brewing movement. More than four decades later, Sierra Nevada remains 100% family-owned and operated, brewing on both coasts while maintaining its longstanding focus on quality, hop selection, innovation, and environmental responsibility. West Ghost connects that hop-driven heritage with the modern West Coast IPA, preserving the style's clarity, bitterness, and crisp finish while bringing contemporary hop character to the foreground.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 7 to 9 degrees Celsius in an IPA, tulip, or sensory glass to showcase its citrus, sweet-fruit, and dank hop aromatics. Pair with carne asada tacos, spicy fried chicken, grilled burgers, barbecue pork, pepperoni pizza, or sharp aged cheddar. Its crisp structure, firm bitterness, and clean finish are particularly effective alongside rich, grilled, spicy, and boldly seasoned foods.