Northwest Beer Guide to Fresh Hop & Oktoberfest-inspired beers for 2023
With the heat of Summer 2023, slowly retreating in the Pacific Northwest, we all must take a moment to reflect. Filled with sun tans and sunburns, Summer 2023 gave us a plethora of imbibe-able options to choose from. From the sessionable pale ale to the crisp pilsner, in German or Czech, Summer was resplendent. But like all things bright and full of energy, the season is fading away.
In its place comes earlier evenings, later mornings, colder evenings, and even colder mornings. It also signifies the continuation of Autumn.
Which is why we want to share ways to celebrate Autumn. Whether in a pint, a can, or bottle, here are beers inspired by the hop harvest or a distant German beer festival.
Our Guide to Fresh Hop Beers in 2023
So, what does it mean to enjoy a fresh hop beer?
For the uninitiated, a fresh hop beer is one that incorporates hops which have not gone through the traditional dehydrating process. Hops which are not dried prior to use are often used for flavor or aromatic purposes. On rare occasions, a brewer may choose to use the hops during each stage of the brewing process (e.g. bittering, flavor, and aroma).
Living in the Pacific Northwest, you have a unique opportunity to enjoy beers made with hops which are anywhere from 5 minutes to several hours from the brewery . Make no mistake, these uniquely-brewed beers will only be around for a limited time and will evolve quickly once they leave they go from brewery to glass. Which is why you need to consider trying these now and while they're fresh.
Within this guide, we have included links to the breweries who have shared the beer style, hops, and the farms which all contribute to the beer in your hand. Should you wish to learn more about the hops included in brewer's notes, you are welcome to visit the hop section which includes history, photos, and commercial examples of breweries which are using fresh hop versions of these flowers.
Unfortunately, with the advent of social media many breweries are electing to advertise directly, instead of responding to article opportunities like this one. Rest assured, throughout the years, we have reached out to many. Only recently have we ceased the practice after years of unresponsiveness.
As always this is your opportunity to let us know if we overlooked something. So if you see an omission, associated with your favorite independent, craft, brewery then let us know.
Cheers to the hop harvest and a truly unique style of beer - the fresh hopped.
Fresh-Hopped Ales
Fresh-Hopped Lagers
Fresh Hop IPAs
Right now, you're probably wondering why there are so many India Pale Ales than other categories. Fact is, we were just as shocked as you! But the reality is IPA is the most popular category. Which goes to the core of why breweries produce more fresh hop india pale ales and pale ales, than another other category. Also, this year, we took a different approach to surveying breweries.
See, in previous years, we would spend hours (literally around 20) visiting websites, emailing, filling out forms, all to get a brewery's thoughts on fresh hop beers. Typically that meant, out of 850+ breweries (including Idaho, Oregon, Washington, & British Columbia), we would get around 10% in response. Or around 130 beers. So this year, we’re taking a different approach.
This time around, we reached out to those who responded to 2022’s inquiries. Coupled with that we networked with guilds like those in Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia. Those that responded, got their beer in our guide. Pretty simple. But, of course, many breweries are missing from this list. Does that mean they aren't making a beer? No!
Fact is, many breweries either chose to not respond or are relying heavily on social media and newsletters to advertise their releases. Leaving us to promote those who want a unique voice to share their beers with the world.
So, if you know a brewery that missing from here, let them know to contact us!
More Fresh Hop IPAs
Guide to Oktoberfest-inspired (and a couple German Oktoberfest) Beers
Moving on, we also reached out to breweries to see if they were inspired by Germany's Oktoberfest, to release a beer. The results were, pretty spectacular. Mostly focussed on Festbiers and Okotberfest-style Marzen's. Here's our list of breweries, starting with Festbiers, Marzens, and Oktoberfest, followed by the rest.
Festbier
Oktoberfests
Marzens
Everything Else (but not the Wurst!)
We hope this has been helpful. Now, get out there and celebrate Autumn!
