Craft beer enthusiasts have long awaited the annual release of Sierra Nevada Brewing’s Celebration IPA, a standout in the seasonal beer landscape. Revered among beer aficionados and industry insiders, this beer not only signals the arrival of the holiday season but also serves as a celebration of the recent hop harvest. However, amid its mainstream popularity lies a hidden treasure: Celly Drippins, a special version of Celebration that has remained largely under the radar until recent years.
Sierra Nevada’s Celebration IPA has become synonymous with winter festivities, establishing itself as a classic. Brewed with fresh hops, the 6.8% ABV beer offers a heartier alternative to Sierra Nevada’s flagship Pale Ale, which boasts a 5.6% ABV. This increase in alcohol content lends Celebration a comforting robustness that pairs beautifully with the colder months. Tapping into the duality of celebrating both the hop harvest and the holiday spirit, Celebration stands out for its ability to transcend traditional Christmas associations, allowing fans to enjoy it long after the holidays conclude.
Doug Veliky, Chief Marketing Officer at Revolution Brewing, has boldly declared Celebration the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) among winter seasonal beers, reinforcing its esteemed position within the craft beer community. This recognition and unwavering demand highlight the beer’s status as a staple for those seeking to enhance their holiday experiences with quality brews.
For several years, Sierra Nevada has quietly released a limited quantity of a draft-only version of Celebration, dubbed Celly Drippins. This version takes the already beloved IPA up a notch, as it utilizes the concentrated hop drippings collected during the dry-hopping process. The ingenious creation of Celly Drippins arose from a practical circumstance in the brewery’s operations. As Technical Brewmaster Scott Jennings explains, the extraction process for hop bags requires significant coordination, resulting in a small amount of hop-infused liquid that would otherwise be discarded.
Originally intended as a gift for brewery staff, Celly Drippins quickly garnered attention when it was discovered by curious patrons. The buzz surrounding this unique version has led to inquiries about its availability months in advance, transforming it into what can now be categorized as one of Sierra Nevada’s most exclusive releases. Despite its lack of promotion outside the taproom, the demand for Celly Drippins is palpable, with enthusiasts planning trips to Mills River, North Carolina, specifically to secure a taste of this limited brew.
The process of creating Celly Drippins is deeply intertwined with the production of Celebration IPA. For every approximately 5,000 cans of Celebration brewed, only one can of Celly Drippins emerges, making this variant exceptionally scarce. Each year, only five to seven barrels of Celly Drippins are produced, tightly controlling its availability and reinforcing its status as a specialty item. Last year marked a turning point in the beer’s journey when it was featured in All About Beer Magazine, which helped unveil its hidden existence.
According to Jennings, the unique flavor profile of Celly Drippins varies with each iteration of Celebration due to the fluctuating hop combination used in the brewing process. With every batch, drinkers can expect a more pronounced hop character than what is found in the standard release. Floral notes and resinous pine often dominate the experience, providing a complex palate that shifts from year to year.
This year, Celly Drippins will officially be released at Sierra Nevada’s Mills River taproom on November 22, 2024, starting at 3 p.m. The brewery’s decision to announce this release publicly for the first time reflects a strong community spirit, inviting fans to gather and celebrate the onset of the holiday season together. As Chief Brewer Brian Grossman acknowledges, this event provides an opportunity for camaraderie, both with the brewery staff and fellow beer lovers.
In a world overflowing with craft beers, Sierra Nevada’s dual offerings of Celebration and Celly Drippins shine brightly, each representing a dedication to quality and tradition. As the craft beer community embraces such releases, they become more than just beverages; they transform into rituals that link consumers with seasonal joy, local harvests, and a thriving brewing culture. Cheers to the anticipation of another festive season filled with exceptional brews!
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