Our 2020 Fresh Hop Beer Guide is here. We've made some changes, in light of the current climate.
Nostalgia. It can be a supersonic motivator or a brake on the urge to continue on. It can be something as simple as the inspired childhood memories, after eating an ice cream cone, or as complicated as a song played on the radio. Nostalgia is a reminder to all of us, that 2020 is not 2019, and many things have changed. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the seasonal harvest of the hops, off the bine.
Since the early days, when homesteaders traveled from the East Coast, westward to the Pacific Northwest, there has always been the harvest.
From Simcoe to Strata and from Amarillo to Zappa, brewers are once again experimenting with the goal of producing a beer that celebrates the harvest. But this isn’t 2019.
Recognizing that we are now in the middle of a global pandemic, associated with COVID-19, the farmers and laborers of nearby Yakima and Willamette valleys remained focussed on removing every bine before October. The farmers and staff recognize the risks they take, as they work in proximity to one another.
Supporting the spirit and sacrifice of those who wake up before sunrise and go to bed after sunset, we commit many breweries to producing a fresh hop beer, to remind people of what was. After reaching out to many breweries we feel we have a foundation of ales and lager to build upon, as more and more breweries step up to make a fresh hopped beer.
But we too recognize this isn’t a normal year. Which is why we have made some changes to our beloved Beer Guide, located here https://www.northwestbeerguide.com/guide-to-fresh-hops-2020.
For starters, we have replaced the traditional Events section with one that educates you on the nuanced characteristics and history of hops. With this easy-to-use gallery, please scroll through the list of hops and find the one that speaks to you.
Following up on this, we have also reached out to each brewery and confirmed if they plan to can or bottle any of their fresh hop beers. Unlike the beers which are found on the shelves, or in taprooms, they design fresh hopped beers to be consumed immediately. Traditionally this has led to breweries brewing small quantities for their taproom and a select number of pubs. While some breweries will can or bottle their beers, the intent is that you will drink it as soon as you find it, instead of letting it rest for a few weeks. But this is not a normal year, so the breweries have adapted to allow you the opportunity to enjoy their beers at home instead of risking your health.
Learn more about your beer and the brewery.
Finally, each brewery’s beer has a profile. A kind of baseball card if you will, which features ingredients, maybe a brief description, the alcohol, international bittering units, the type of fresh hop and the farm where the fresh hops were sourced.
All of this effort has been put in, so that you will take the time to not only support your local brewery, by buying draft or canned/bottled beers, but also reflect on the sacrifice of so many to harvest the hops used in these beers.
As always, be safe, wash your hands, and as always, support your local businesses.
