If you haven’t yet tried our new Hop FWD IPA, visit either of our taprooms for a pint of what many of our bartenders have identified as a new favorite. 🍻
This IPA showcases experimental hop 1183—a rare variety grown in extremely limited quantities, and one we’re lucky to explore. Bursting with tropical, berry, and citrus character, it opens with a vibrant hit of tangerine, followed by a playful note of watermelon hard candy. Here today, gone tomorrow.
@yakimachief and
@yakimachiefranches created the FWD (“forward”) program to encourage continued innovation and excitement in the craft beer industry. Breweries can apply for access to limited edition hops that are not commercially available. Not all applications are accepted, but we’re thrilled to have the chance to work with this experimental hop, currently grown on a very small scale by Perrault Farms in the Yakima Valley, Washington.
HBC 1183 remains nameless until its industry value is determined, all part of the FWD initiative. With citrus, berry, floral, woody, and a touch of tropical flavors, it caught our brewer’s attention! “My original interest in this comes from years ago when all I would drink were IPAs,” shared head brewer Scott Maxham. “I find them fascinating and the research aspect is cool. It’s an intense process to grow and produce hops.”
Long before a new hop becomes available to breweries, growers cross it with different varieties, evaluate its flavor, and test its ability to withstand climate change and disease. It could be a long time before we see this hop again. Your feedback impacts that timeline!
Following the delivery of HBC 1183, the next step was determining our unique brew. Maxham focused his recipe on hops sourced solely from
@perraultfarms . “We’ve used hops from this farm before and really enjoyed them. They do good work.” HBC 1183, Simcoe, and Krush hops come together deliciously in our final product.
“After all the science that goes into them, then we get into the fun part of tasting.”
So far, we’ve had a great response from customers—asking for a second pint or purchasing a 4-pack to take home. Be sure to grab one before it’s gone and let us know what you think!
