Deschutes Hop Trip

From Deschutes Brewing – This Fresh Hop Pale Ale is all about celebrating the hop harvest in the fall. Fresh picked hops have to be added to the brew immediately and in abundance. Roughly 680 pounds of Crystal hops from Doug Weathers’ farm outside Salem, Oregon will be added to each 120 barrel batch in addition to some dry kilned whole flower hops. That adds up to approximately 5.7 pounds of hops per barrel brewed. Another deliciously interesting beer in our Bond Street Series.

Dechutes Brewing – Hop Trip Fresh Hop Pale Ale – 22 oz. bottle poured into a pint glass. 5.5% abv. Found where Deschutes Seasonals are sold.

Appearance: Pours a clear bright amber with almost no head, but just a small gathering of suds.

Aroma: Earth, grass, pine needles and melon rind.

Taste: Earthy bitter hops, slight citrus (orange perhaps?), spiciness, and a moderate level of brown sugar sweetness. All flavors mentioned balance out well.

Mouthfeel: Medium and very slick.

Overall: I enjoyed this beer, it is very balanced. I have grown to appreciate well crafted beers from the Pacific Northwest, that showcase their hops without going overboard.