Beer Review: BFD (Sierra Nevada)
BFD
First… let’s ask ourselves what B – F- D stands for. Is it Beer For Drinking? Is it Big F….ing Deal? Is it Beautiful Fractional Dimensions? Is it Bubbly Farts Dissipate? Sierra Nevada Brewing tells us it means “Beer For Drinking” so let’s just go with that then!
Introduced in 2017, Sierra Nevada proudly features BFD among their year-round beer selections, sharing the stage with other newcomers like Hop Bullet, Sidecar Orange IPA, Hazy Little Thing, Otra Vez Lime & Agave, and Sierraveza. However, the absence of BFD from the brewery’s 2019 release calendar raises eyebrows, hinting that Sierra Nevada might not be actively promoting this particular brew. It’s a challenge to find on store shelves, typically confined to solitary tallboy cans in gas station convenience stores, despite being a year-round offering from the nation’s third-largest craft brewery.
Beer Review: Beer For Drinking (BFD) by Sierra Nevada
Beer: Beer For Drinking (BFD)
Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Style: Golden Ale – Other
ABV: 4.8%
IBU: 33
Untappd Description: There are days when you want a beer —just a beer — that hits all the right spots. Well, this is it. No snifters required, no special occasions, just an unfussy, uncomplicated hoppy golden ale brewed to fit in no matter where it goes. This isn’t beer for collecting, this is beer for drinking.
Tasting Notes: I crack open a substantial 19.2oz can, bearing a clear packaging date of 2/1/19. As I pour it into the glass, BFD reveals a slightly hazy pale golden hue, crowned with a voluminous head of bright white foam that lingers for well over a minute. The aroma takes me by surprise; it’s reminiscent of fresh air with subtle floral hops, notes of honeysuckle, and even a hint of celery stalk. As the beer warms, orange blossom honey emerges, giving BFD a delicate quality that oddly resembles a saison.
The flavor profile further emphasizes the saison comparison, presenting a reasonably dry and minimally bitter (0/10) experience. High carbonation and a touch of sourdough acidity add to the overall effect, which some might describe as bland, but I lean towards a petite saison vibe. It’s refreshing, with subtle flavors reminiscent of lemon seltzer water. While I appreciate the nuanced experience, it’s likely to leave many consumers, especially long-time Sierra Nevada aficionados, somewhat perplexed.
Final Thoughts: BFD departs from Sierra Nevada’s typical grainy flavors and lacks the expected hoppiness, contradicting its official description and the brewery’s usual associations. Understandably, Sierra Nevada aims to tap into a different consumer base—one that is more casual, less brand-conscious, and seeks simplicity in their beer. However, Firestone Walker’s 805 achieves this effortlessly and deliciously.
Despite its quirks, BFD does serve a purpose by accentuating the appeal of Sierraveza. Another addition to Sierra Nevada’s “easy-drinking” lineup, Sierraveza can be readily found in stores. It shares BFD’s light-bodied and approachable characteristics but offers a more cohesive experience with enhanced hop aromas and richer malt flavors. My recommendation is to opt for Sierraveza and reserve BFD for those intrigued by novelty.
My Untappd Rating: ***.75
Global Untappd Rating: 3.5
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