Excitement of Fresh-Hopped Beers in the Craft Brewing World
craft Brewing has seen its fair share of changes over the past few years, but one constant highlight in the Pacific Northwest is the fervor surrounding fresh-hopped beers. These beers, made with hops that are picked and used within 24 hours, offer a unique and flavorful experience for beer enthusiasts.
The Rise of Fresh-Hopped Beers
According to Ben Coleman, president and co-owner of Coleman Agriculture, brewers and their customers are increasingly seeking out fresh-hopped beers. This trend underscores the importance of the local connection to high-quality ingredients. For the past decade, Coleman Agriculture has welcomed brewers to their farms to pick up fresh hops, which adds to the beer‘s distinctive taste.
Oregon’s Largest Hop Grower
Coleman Agriculture stands as Oregon’s largest hop grower, managed by multiple generations of the Coleman family. With rising demand from area breweries for fresh hops, Coleman Agriculture offers access to 16 varieties of locally grown, high-quality Coleman Hops. Their farms, located throughout the mid-Willamette Valley, provide brewers the unique opportunity to pick up different hop varieties on the same day.
How Fresh Hop Harvesting Works
- Hop bines are cut down from the fields and placed on a truck bed in the cool mornings.
- A picking machine strips the hop cones from the bine – these cones are the essential ingredient for brewing.
- Brewers visit the farm to fill bags with fresh, un-kilned hop cones, which are then taken directly back to the brewery and used within 24 hours.
- Fresh-hopped beers are showcased at numerous area festivals starting in mid-September.
Award-Winning Beers with Oregon Hops
Several brewers creating award-winning beers use Oregon-grown Coleman fresh hops. These include Sunriver Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, and Trap Door, among others. The fresh hops contribute to the rich flavors and unique taste profiles that make these beers stand out in competitions.
Media Opportunities and Farm Visits
If you’re interested in capturing the essence of fresh hop harvesting, media opportunities are available from mid-August to mid-September. Contact Ivy Hover, Coleman’s Marketing Coordinator, to arrange a visit.
Farm Site | Location |
---|---|
Homeplace Farm | 4569 Mahony Rd NE, St. Paul, OR |
Greenleaf Hop Farm | 15411 River Rd, St. Paul, OR |
Alluvial Hop Farm | 3590 Wigrich Rd, Independence, OR |
Angel Farm | 8601 Humpert Ln NE, Mt, Angel, OR |
About Coleman Agriculture
Guided by the determination of Oregon pioneers, Coleman Agriculture has grown to cultivate more than 6,000 acres of farmland in the Willamette Valley. They take pride in producing high-quality hops, hazelnuts, seed crops, and vegetables. Over the past 170 years, despite changes in crops and farming methods, the innovative spirit and work ethic of their ancestors remain at the core of their operations, ensuring the continued production of top-tier products.
For more information, visit www.colemanag.com.