Sierra Nevada Hop Forward Hoppy Ale Returning For 2026

Sierra Nevada Brewing is bringing back one of its most reliably bright, hop‑driven offerings for the new year with the return of Hop Forward in 2026. Brewed between the brewery’s two flagship locations in Chico, California and Mills River, North Carolina, this hoppy ale has earned a following for its clean, aromatic hop profile and easy‑drinking character. The 2026 release will continue to showcase the beer’s signature balance of citrus, pine, and floral hop notes while keeping things refreshingly sessionable at 5.5% ABV, making it an ideal everyday hoppy beer for IPA fans who want flavor without the heaviness of higher‑ABV offerings.

The upcoming release also features a refreshed 12‑oz can design, aligning with Sierra Nevada’s modernized packaging style while keeping the Hop Forward identity front and center. As one of the brewery’s most approachable hop‑focused beers, Hop Forward fits neatly into the growing demand for sessionable hoppy ales, low‑ABV craft beers, and flavor‑first pale ales that deliver aroma and drinkability in equal measure. With Sierra Nevada’s reputation for consistent quality and hop‑centric brewing, the 2026 return of Hop Forward is poised to be a standout seasonal option for fans of West Coast‑leaning, crisp, aromatic ales.

More details on the official 2026 release timing, distribution, and any additional packaging formats will be announced soon, but the early look at the new can confirms that Sierra Nevada is giving this returning favorite a well‑deserved spotlight.

Label Text Sierra Nevada Hop Forward:

“We believe it matters how a business operates. That’s why Hop Forward is more than a beer—it’s a celebration of our 2030 sustainability ambitions and the plan to get there. Brewed with sustainably sourced ingredients, it’s a taste of our larger commitment to operate with people and planet in mind.”

This 20 April 2026 update from Sierra Nevada:

We believe it matters how a business operates. That’s why Hop Forward Hoppy Ale is more than a beer. Its annual release marks each new edition of our Hop Forward Impact Report, celebrating the plan and progress toward our 2030 sustainability goals.
 
Brewed with sustainably sourced hops and our Estate barley, Hop Forward blooms with orange blossom and grapefruit aromas, followed by juicy citrus flavor and a smooth finish.
 
We’re shipping to approved states*, or visit our Gift Shops.
ORDER HOP FORWARD

“Perfectly balanced, great hop taste and mouthfeel.”
– Chris P.
“This is an amazing beer that’s easy to drink.”
– Bob G.
 
*Ships To
CA, DC, KY, NC, ND, NE, NH, OH, PA, VA, VT. Free shipping for orders $100+. Exclusions apply.

About Sierra Nevada Brewing:

Our founder, Ken Grossman, made a habit of chasing curiosity. His early years of backyard tinkering and covert science projects set the stage for the ultimate discovery: homebrewing.
 
Fascinated by the alchemy of fermentation, Ken opened The Home Brew Shop in Chico, slowly playing with more hop-forward flavors at a time when American beer wasn’t known for taking chances.  

When he finally started a brewery, Ken scoured salvage yards and defunct dairies to find the tanks, pipes, and valves he needed to hand-build Sierra Nevada’s original brewhouse.
 
On November 15, 1980, he put his first batch of craft beer to the test. That heady stout was a 13-hour labor of love, and after one sip, he knew he had a keeper. The Pale Ale that followed sparked a true craft beer revolution. The adventure’s never stopped, and our curiosity’s still brewing.

We brew and do business like the planet’s future depends on it. We’re committed to operating sustainably, from slashing our environmental impact and producing alternative energy to farming onsite with regenerative agriculture.

Visit
Mills River, NC100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC 287321 (828) 681-5300
Chico, CA1075 East 20th Street, Chico, CA 959281 (530) 893-3520

Inspired by frequent trips to the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in 1980 and it remains family-owned and operated. Highly regarded for using only the finest quality ingredients, Sierra Nevada has set the standard for craft brewers worldwide with innovations in the brewhouse and in its sustainability efforts. The pioneering spirit that launched Sierra Nevada now spans both coasts with breweries in Chico, California and Mills River, North Carolina. Sierra Nevada is famous for its extensive line of beers including Pale Ale, Hazy Little Thing®, Torpedo® and a host of seasonal, specialty and limited release beers. Learn more at www.sierranevada.com.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is a craft brewery in Chico, California that was founded in 1980 by Ken Grossman and Paul Camusi. It’s the longest-running craft startup in the United States.

Features
Known for: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which is the best-selling craft beer in the country
Other beers: Bigfoot, Celebration Ale, and Resilience Butte County Proud IPA
Brewing techniques: Uses premium ingredients and time-honored brewing techniques
Environmental initiatives: Pioneering new environmental initiatives


History
The original brewhouse was hand-built by Grossman
Grossman found tanks, pipes, and valves for the brewery at salvage yards and defunct dairies.

The name comes from Grossman’s love of hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is a highly influential and popular craft brewery in the United States, founded in 1979 by Ken Grossman and Paul Camusi. They are known for their quality, integrity, and commitment to sustainability. Sierra Nevada is a family business, with Ken Grossman still involved in the brewery’s operations. They have a flagship beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, which is a top-selling craft brand.

Founding and Early Years:

Sierra Nevada started as a homebrewing passion for Ken Grossman, who eventually opened a homebrew shop and then founded the brewery. He hand-built his first brewhouse, utilizing salvaged equipment.

Growth and Expansion:The brewery grew rapidly, expanding its production and opening a second location in Mills River, North Carolina in 2014.


Focus on Quality and Sustainability:

Sierra Nevada emphasizes quality in its brewing process, using premium ingredients and time-honored techniques. They are also known for their commitment to sustainability, having earned the “Green Business of the Year” award from the EPA.

Key Products: Besides their flagship Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada produces a wide range of beers, including Torpedo Extra IPA, Kellerweis, and various seasonal and limited-release brews.

Impact and Influence:Sierra Nevada is considered one of the earliest and most influential American craft breweries, playing a significant role in the craft beer movement.

Community and Philanthropy:Sierra Nevada is involved in community outreach and has partnerships with organizations like the National Park Foundation.

Visit and Experience:Sierra Nevada has a taproom and restaurant in Chico, California, where visitors can sample their beers and enjoy farm-to-table fare. They also have a live music venue and offer brewery tours.

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