hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Big Little Thing

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Tap to rate
🌍 United States · New England Double IPA · One of 25 New England Double IPAs in hopIQ

The strong member of the Little Thing series was reworked in spring 2025 with a new recipe that raised the alcohol to 9.5% and pushed the hop load further. Citra, Comet, El Dorado and Mosaic sit on a simple base of two-row pale malt, and the body stays hazy and smooth despite the strength. Orange leads, joined by further citrus and a hint that recalls yuzu, over an underlying berry-like sweetness and a gentle bitterness.

ABV
9.5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter34 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
amber9
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Substantial body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Dry finish.
drysweet
Bitterness
Moderate bitterness.
mildbitter
Texture
Balanced mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

A clean close sets the character — an invitation to the next sip.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another New England Double IPA.
Hop character
citrusy
orange
hoppy
tropical
Distinctive notes
hazy
berry
smooth drinking

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Big Little Thing

◎ Appearance

Pale golden with a persistent haze that sits throughout the glass, reflecting the New England style's hallmark turbidity. The head is substantial and creamy, clinging to the glass walls with fine lacing on each sip. Carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, supporting the beer's smooth presentation despite its 9.5% strength.

pale goldenhazy, opaquecreamy headfine lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with bright orange zest and candied citrus notes, layered with an exotic hint reminiscent of yuzu that adds subtle complexity. Beneath the hops sits a gentle malt foundation of two-row pale character, contributing a soft, bready warmth without dominating. The overall aromatics remain clean and fruit-forward, with no hot alcohol character despite the elevated ABV.

orange zestcitrus, yuzusoft malt sweetnessclean, restrained

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and full-bodied, with citrus and stone fruit flavors from Citra, Comet, El Dorado and Mosaic hops taking center stage. Mid-palate reveals an underlying berry-like sweetness balanced by gentle bitterness, while the malt base provides a light, approachable foundation that prevents harshness. The 34 IBU bitterness is restrained and integrated, allowing hop character and residual sweetness to coexist harmoniously.

citrus, berry sweetnessbalanced bitternesssmooth, full bodyhop-forward

◑ Finish

The finish is medium-length and clean, fading gradually with lingering citrus notes and a soft, warming alcohol presence. No harsh edges or excessive dryness; instead, a pleasant residual sweetness accompanies the fade.

citrus fadewarm alcoholmedium-length
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
85
Appearance
80
Finish
78
+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Big Little Thing

Serve at 8–11°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Tulip glass
Recommended for this style

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Big Little Thing

About New England Double IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a New England Double IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar New England Double IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same citrusy, orange, hazy character as Big Little Thing will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other New England Double IPAs in hopIQ

Compare with another beer →