My buddy, Greg from OC Beer Blog was fortunate enough to go to Sierra Nevada’s Beer Camp and brew a beer with fellow beer enthusiasts. The beer they made was Sleight of Hand and it’s a Black Belgian Double IPA that’s 8%ABV and 52 IBU’s. This beer is loaded with flavor. Greg has been telling me about this beer for months and now we finally got to try some.

From left to right: Sean McNew, Greg Nagel, Nate Squillace of Hangar 24, and Evan Price of Noble Ale Works

There were a few different locations we could choose from who was serving this beer but we ultimately choose to go to The Playground in Downtown Santa Ana. I have been to the playground before and they make delicious chef-driven food so that seemed like a winner. We arrived and after snapping a few photos and greeting some beer friends we settled on the patio beneath the heating lamps. It was a lovely southern California night for socializing and enjoying exquisite craft beers.

Greg and his Family (wife and parents)

Greg

The first beer I had was of course, the Sleight of Hand by Sierra Nevada. It pours dark in color, very black indeed. The head is not brown but a brilliant white which laces the glass every so gracefully. I expected it to be really hoppy, it wasn’t. I expected it to be overly sweet, it wasn’t. It was floral, herbaceous, fruity, and finished dry like a good champagne would. Being 8%ABV didn’t stop this beer from being extremely drinkable, which is a sign of a expertly-made beer. I am so proud of my friend for having take part in the making of this noteworthy beer. I could drink this beer over and over, in fact I did. Congrats Greg!