Writer: Kaleb Schwecke
A Decade in the Making
Digital and Plus Members OnlyHumulus lupulus, most commonly known as hops, is a perennial fruiting plant that has been used in beer production for centuries. Beer is where the hops end up, but where do the hops come from? The first documented hop cultivation occurred in Central Europe in the 9th century1, with evidence from 10th century England that
Appreciating the Classic Hops
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThe classics are classics for a reason. Whether talking about books, music, or even beer, it is important to understand what the classics are and why they hold that special title. Classics broke the established mold, defined genres, and inspired imitators. In the world of beer, hops were the single most important ingredient that defined
Bombing Range Brewing Co.’s Medusa Dry Hopped Pale clone
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThis beer from Bombing Range Brewing (Richland, Washington) had limited availability but was easily one of the best using MedusaTM that I personally had. Founder and Head Brewer Mike Hopp describes it as a smooth, easy drinker with huge stone fruit and apricot flavors and aroma.
Neomexicanus Hops
FREEHops are the defining ingredient of the American craft beer movement. But most of the popular aroma varieties that define styles and set trends originated in Europe, and though now grown here,
Hop Hash: What It Is & How to Use It
Digital and Plus Members OnlyIn the quest for the perfect IPA, brewers recently stumbled upon hop hash, the purest and most potent natural form of hops currently available. It is a concentration of lupulin glands (which is where all of the hop oils and resins are formed) and other hop dust that is left behind after the pelletizing process.
Buying and Storing Bulk Hops
Digital and Plus Members OnlyHops make up a small percentage of a beer recipe, but they have arguably the biggest impact on the flavor and aroma. Even stouts and darker styles, typically seen as malt-centric, require the perfect hop additions to properly accentuate and marry with the malts. Brewing the best beer requires the best hops. And when an