Get ‘em while you still can!
To some, Autumn means rain, coats and boots, rain, pumpkin spice, and rain; to us, it means a new crop of fresh hop brews to savour!
Slightly delayed this year, due to the insane, um, great weather, fresh hop season is arguably the most special time of year in B.C. beer. Unlike their potent dried counterpart, the delicate flavours and aromas of fresh hops require considerably larger quantities to be added to the boil in order to shine. The hops need to go directly from bine to kettle for the best results.
We’ve got a running list of fresh B.C. wet hop brews for you to try! Get them while you can, as these sell out quickly. A gentle reminder that these are not for cellaring: the subtle notes wane over time—so you have our permission to drink them ASAP! In alphabetical order:
Angry Hen Brewing – Caravan Of Love
Fresh Hop Pale Ale
This small batch brew features fresh-picked Tahoma hops and is not available in cans or for growler fills.
ABV: 5.1%
IBU: 35
Backcountry Brewing – Maple Bay IPA
Fresh Hop IPA
This large batch IPA was brewed with fresh Cascade and Centennial hops from Maple Bay Hop Farm; with label by local Métis artist Jean Paul Langlois.
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: 30
Barnside Brewing Co. – 2022 Farm Fresh Hop IPA
Fresh Hop IPA
From the malts to the 500 lbs of fresh Cascade and Chinook, this beer was 100% grown by Barnside and offers a true taste of Ladner terroir.
ABV: 5.3%
IBU: n/a
Camp Beer Co. – Wet Coast
Fresh Hop IPA
Just released, this dank golden IPA is made with fresh picked Simcoe and Mosaic hops, and just a touch of crystal rye malt.
ABV: 6.8%
IBU: n/a
Cannery Brewing – Fresh Hop
West Coast IPA
This classic West Coast IPA was brewed with fresh Centennial and Cascade hops from Chilliwack and is even available in Alberta!
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: 45
Category 12 – Fresh Hop
IPA
Delicate citrus notes emanate from this one, with Centennial hops from Chilliwack harvested at their peak.
ABV: 6.6%
IBU: 58
Dageraad – Wet-Hopped Blonde
Belgian Blonde
An annual special edition of Dageraad Blonde, this already delicious beer is elevated by the addition of fresh Centennial from Chilliwack.
ABV: 7.5%
IBU: n/a
Driftwood Brewing Company – Sartori Harvest
Fresh Hop IPA
This annual favourite uses fresh Centennial hops from Sartori Cedar Ranch in Chilliwack, bringing a taste of the Columbia Valley to Victoria. This year’s batch marks the 10th anniversary of the Sartori brew!
ABV: 7%
IBU: n/a
Off the Rail Brewing – Whirlwind
Fresh Hop IPA
Loads of fresh picked Cascade, Centennial and Cashmere hops went into this one, which finishes with a nice malty backbone.
ABV 5-5-5.7%
IBU 36-44
Phillips Brewing and Malting Co. – Green Reaper
Available across B.C. and Alberta, Green Reaper showcases 250 lbs of fresh Chinook from the Fraser Valley, thrown in the kettle within 24 hours of being picked for peak freshness!
ABV: 6.5%
IBU:55
R&B Brewing Co. – So Fresh and So Green
Fresh Hopped IPA
This West Coast IPA was brewed with freshly harvested whole cone Cashmere hops.
ABV: 7.5%
IBU: 45
R&B Brewing Co. – Freshly Stolen Bike
Fresh Hopped Lager
R&B went ahead and did two! Their Stolen Bike Lager provides a crisp and clean base to showcase fresh Sterling hops.
ABV: 4.5%
IBU: 28
Russell Brewing Company – Fresh Hopped Northwest Pale Ale
Pale Ale
This Northwest Pale Ale features light additions of specialty malts for complexity, a fresh hop whirlpool addition, and a truly Pacific Northwest dry hop.
ABV: 5%
IBU: 30
Yellow Dog Brewing Co – Alpha Dog
Fresh Hopped Pale Ale
Fresh Citra hops give this juicy beer hints of grapefruit, melon and lime. The first of three fresh hop beers this season!
ABV: 5.2%
IBU: 60
Yellow Dog Brewing Co – New Tricks
Fresh Hop Hazy IPA
Fresh Simcoe, Citra and Mosaic shine in the second of Yellow Dog’s fresh hop series!
ABV: 6.8%
IBU: 50
Yellow Dog Brewing Co – Little Dog Syndrome
Fresh Hop Double IPA
Loaded with fresh Mosaic, this double IPA packs a punch with notes on citrus, papaya and pine.
ABV: 8.2%
IBU: 80
