Terrapin Hop Selection Double IPA To Replace Hopzilla Beginning March
(Athens,GA) – Terrapin Beer Co. searched far and wide for the hop to beat all hops for the release of a brand new Monster Beer Tour brew. Hop Selection Double IPA will be the first Monster on scene in 2015, taking the place of Hopzilla Double IPA, which has been put on hiatus. Hop Selection will feature a single hop from the most recent harvest—the blue ribbon hop for 2015 is Ella.
Each fall just after the hops are harvested, Terrapin brewmaster Brian “Spike” Buckowski travels west to Yakima Valley, Washington for the annual hop selection. Hop selection is when brewers from all over the country gather on the many hop farms of the pacific northwest to assess the year’s harvest. Hop Selection is also when brewers seek out hidden gems among the big hop names; up-and-coming stars or as-yet-unnamed experimental varieties that breed a craft brewer’s creativity. Spike came across Ella and knew at first whiff that this was a hop he wanted to feature in a bold double IPA. Hop Selection was born.
Ella, the hop used in the inaugural edition of Hop Selection is an Australian hop; Terrapin will be using Ella hops from the 2014 harvest. Ella (previously called Stella), the descendent of a Spalt-derived male and half-sister to Galaxy, is considered an aroma hop though with her higher alpha acid content of 14 – 16% she can also lend a hand in bittering. Ella has an interesting aroma of spicy hoppiness backed with softer floral notes and a touch of anise, which is a contrast to the big citrus/tropical fruit and pine notes of many modern hops used in American craft beers.
From the label:
“Hop Selection” Single Hopped Imperial IPA is a celebration of our favorite hop from the current harvest. Whether it’s an old classic, a new variety, or an experimental standout, this beer will continue to change yearly showcasing our favorite hop of the season.
ABV: 8.6%
IBU: 80
OG: 18.5
Hops: Ella 2014
Malts: 2-Row Pale, Vienna, CaraPilsner, Honey Malt
Hop Selection will be packaged in 4-packs of 12 oz. bottles and 1/6 BBL kegs. It will be available throughout Terrapin’s distribution footprint in early March.
ABOUT TERRAPIN BEER CO.
Terrapin Beer Co. has a portfolio of six year-round beers, four Seasonal Sessions beers, the Monster Beer Tour collection of four high-gravity selections, and the Side Project series of one-time releases. Terrapin co-owners John Cochran, President, and Brian “Spike” Buckowski, Brewmaster, have developed a reputation for high-quality beers that push the boundaries of creative brewing.
Terrapin Beer Co. is open to the public for tours every Wednesday – Sunday with live music and tastings; please see our website for hours of operation. The brewery is located at 265 Newton Bridge Road in Athens, GA. The tours are an excellent opportunity to taste Terrapin’s full line of award winning beers at their freshest and to see the brewing process first hand. For more information visit the website or Facebook page.
