I should note that I am not certain this is 2020’s first fresh hop beer, but it is the first I know of and Two Beers Brewing usually beats everyone out of the gate. Whatever the case, this Friday, August 7th Two Beers Brewing will pour a fresh hop beer. Actually, it’s more like a cask of IPA dry-hopped with a whole lot of freshly picked whole-cone hops. The actual fresh hop beer—the one brewed with the fresh hops—is still a couple weeks away. (Above: the brewery team at Two Beers Brewing pickin’ this year’s fresh hops.)
I was at Two Beers Brewing the other day for the annual fresh hop pickin’ party. Things were a little different this year due to the pandemic. Like, everyone wearing masks. Like, getting my temperature checked before I was allowed to start picking. Like, fewer people involved in the picking this year, and those people doing it while distanced from each other. You can imagine.
Anyway, we picked the hops off the bines on Monday, August 3rd, the beer was brewed soon thereafter and should be ready in ten days to two weeks. Keep an eye on Two Beers Brewing’s social channels.
In the meantime, you can get a preview this Friday at The Woods Tasting Room, where they’ve recently expanded their outdoor seating area. It’s quite lovely.
From Facebook: “We filled two casks to the brim with freshly picked Centennial hops and topped one with Wonderland Trail IPA and the other with Seattle Cider Company’s Semi Sweet! Join us at The Woods to enjoy these libations while raising money for our Climb for a Cause team. Your $6 pint will be donated toward their fundraising goal. Which cask will kick first?”
The Woods is 21+ and dog-friendly. Masks are required at all times when not at your table of five or less. Indoor seating is not available.