Sierra Nevada Old Chico Crystal Wheat

On the other end of the scale from my last post is the lightest offering from Sierra Nevada Brewing.  Old Chico Crystal Wheat is supposedly only available in and around Chico, CA.  That said, my first encounter with this wonderfully drinkable libation was in Vacaville's historic district at Merchant and Main Grill & Bar about 2 years ago.  I was dining with a client when he noticed Old Chico on the menu.  As a Chico State Alumni he was excited to have found the previously "Chico only" beer near his place of business.  That incident caused me to double check many a beer menu searching for this elusive brew.  As suspected I couldn't find it anywhere for the following 18 months.

As luck would have it my day job now takes me to the Sierra Nevada Brewery on a regular basis.  After every meeting I stop by the gift shop to purchase souvenirs. So far I have picked up T-shirts, dog collars, sweatshirts, iPhone covers and of course BEER.  I was delighted to find that Old Chico is now available in both bottles and cans.  As you can tell from most of my posts I prefer draft beer but the portability of this incredible beer earns Old Chico an exception.  Finally I can float the river without having to drink PBR (with all due respect to Pabst).

I have also noticed Old Chico bottled six packs showing up in grocery stores as far south as Santa Barbara.  I asked my contacts at the brewery about the expanded distribution footprint but they declined to confirm, deny or elaborate on how the beer is wandering outside the hallowed city limits of Chico.  However it is getting out we are all lucky that it is. If you come across a six pack in your local beer aisle do yourself a favor and grab it.

Now about the beer.  Although this is a wheat beer it is perfectly clear and not at all "gritty" like some wheat beers that you may be used to.  There is no clover or floral notes and it certainly wouldn't complement a slice of lemon or orange.  Sierra Nevada states that Old Chico is the lightest beer they make.  Light is apparently a relative term because this beer has plenty of flavor and body.  This is a great beer for a day at the beach or after mowing the lawn on a hot day.  As a matter of fact I have worked up quite a thirst writing this post so I think I will go grab one myself.