Fall is here (pt.1) - Fresh Hop beers
Although the temperatures still fell like summer, fall is officially upon us, and we’re welcoming the season in the best way possible—with fresh hop beers! These seasonal brews capture the essence of autumn, and we can't wait for you to try them. In our next newsletter, we’ll be introducing a new lineup of fall cocktails by our very own beverage designer Draya, followed by exciting new food items from the Chef to complement the season. So stay tuned! But for now, let’s dive into the fresh hop beers that are here to kick off fall the right way. Cheers!
Fresh Hop Beers: A Washington State Specialty with Yakima at the Heart
As autumn approaches, beer lovers across the Pacific Northwest eagerly await the arrival of fresh hop beers, a fleeting seasonal delight that showcases the true essence of hops. What sets these beers apart is the use of freshly harvested, or “wet,” hops, which must be brewed within 24 to 48 hours of picking. This results in vibrant, aromatic beers with more intense floral, grassy, and citrus notes than traditional hop varieties used in standard brews.
Washington State, particularly the Yakima Valley, plays a pivotal role in the fresh hop beer movement. The Yakima region is the nation’s premier hop-growing area, producing nearly 75% of the hops used in U.S. craft beers. Its unique climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for cultivating hops, making the valley a hub for brewers across the country seeking the freshest hops during harvest season, typically in late August and September.
Fresh hop beers are special because they capture the flavor of the hop at its peak. The delicate oils and resins in fresh hops contribute vibrant, complex layers of aroma and taste that fade quickly after processing. This gives brewers a narrow window to create limited-edition brews that embody the freshness and complexity of the season.
Yakima’s prominence in hop production means that local brewers and those within driving distance can take full advantage of this bounty, often going from field to brew kettle within hours. As a result, Washington breweries have become known for producing some of the best fresh hop beers, turning the state into a pilgrimage site for hop lovers each fall.
One brewery that stands out in this tradition is Bale Breaker BrewingCompany, located in the heart of the Yakima Valley. Bale Breaker is unique in that it's built directly on a family-owned hop farm, providing the brewery with a direct pipeline to some of the freshest hops available. Their Fresh Hop series has become a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts, showcasing the valley’s rich agricultural heritage in every pint. Bale Breaker’s connection to the land and its innovative brewing make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the pinnacle of fresh hop beers. Our first beer to feature this week is their Haze Harvester Fresh Hop IPA. Come try it on draft today.
We have more in the line up to come. The next two delicious fresh hops will be from Lumberbeard brewing and Fremont Brewing with more to come! Checkout our online menu to see what’s available each day.