About This Beer
Sierra Nevada Big Little Thing Imperial IPA is a bold, full-flavoured craft beer that shows the bigger side of modern American IPA brewing. At 9% ABV, this Imperial IPA delivers intense hop character, juicy tropical fruit, citrus, pine resin, and a smooth malt backbone, making it a standout choice for anyone exploring craft beer Ireland or looking for craft beer delivered across Ireland.
Brewed by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. as part of the Little Thing series, Big Little Thing is designed to offer a more powerful take on the juicy, hop-forward style that has made the range so popular. It brings together bold hop aroma and strong flavour while keeping the balance and drinkability that Sierra Nevada is known for. The higher ABV gives the beer warmth and depth, but the soft mouthfeel and clean structure stop it from feeling overly heavy.
This is an excellent beer for drinkers who enjoy big hop flavour without losing smoothness. It has the punch expected from an Imperial IPA, but it remains approachable thanks to its tropical fruit profile, rounded malt sweetness, and controlled bitterness. If you enjoy strong, hop-led beers, discover more in our IPA & Pale Ale range, where you will find more modern and classic IPA styles.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Deep golden with a hazy glow and a fluffy white head.
- Aroma: Mango, pineapple, grapefruit, orange zest, and pine resin, supported by subtle malt sweetness.
- Flavour: Bold citrus and tropical fruit upfront, balanced by piney bitterness, caramel malt depth, and warming strength.
- Mouthfeel: Full-bodied yet smooth, with moderate carbonation and a long, warming finish.
About the Brewery
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. was founded in 1980 in Chico, California, and is widely recognised as one of the true pioneers of the global craft beer movement. The brewery helped define modern American craft beer through its focus on hop-forward brewing, quality ingredients, and consistent flavour.
Best known for its iconic Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada has continued to innovate across a wide range of styles while maintaining the same commitment to balance and drinkability. The Little Thing series shows this perfectly, offering expressive hop-led beers with different strengths, textures, and flavour profiles.
Big Little Thing Imperial IPA represents the bolder end of that range. It takes the juicy, modern IPA character drinkers love and builds it into a stronger, richer beer that still feels polished. This balance of power and control is one of the reasons Sierra Nevada remains such a trusted name among craft beer fans worldwide. You can find more standout beers from international and Irish producers in our Craft Beer & Craft Cider collection.
Food Pairings
Sierra Nevada Big Little Thing Imperial IPA pairs best with rich, bold dishes that can stand up to its hop intensity and 9% ABV. BBQ ribs, pulled pork, grilled steak, and gourmet burgers all work well, as the beer’s bitterness cuts through fat while its malt sweetness complements charred and caramelised flavours.
It is also a strong match for spicy food. Curry, buffalo wings, chilli-loaded tacos, and spicy fried chicken all benefit from the beer’s tropical fruit and citrus notes, which lift the heat while keeping the palate refreshed. The piney bitterness adds structure and keeps richer dishes from feeling too heavy.
For cheese, try aged cheddar, gouda, blue cheese, or strong washed-rind styles. These have enough flavour to hold their own against the beer’s intensity. For dessert, caramel cheesecake, dark chocolate tart, or sticky toffee-style desserts can work beautifully with the beer’s malt sweetness and warming finish.
Try More Like This
If you enjoy the bold hop flavours of Big Little Thing Imperial IPA, take a look through our IPA & Pale Ale range for more hop-forward beers. You can also discover a broader mix of international favourites, Belgian Beer, German Beer, Irish Craft Beer, and modern craft styles in our Craft Beer & Craft Cider collection.
Planning a party or stocking up for a bigger occasion? Our Beer Kegs range has plenty of larger-format options for sharing.
Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15