So, apparently Mill 95 (a 'hops service provide' - something that may be interesting) is something I pass by a lot, as is Parma Ridge Winery. I have no idea what Mill 95 actually does - maybe processes hops from the PNW? The winery supposedly did craft brews from the listing on here (their site doesn't mention beer, though). I've written both places, asking Mill 95 if they are currently doing tours and the Winery if they still make beer. Would there be much interest in pictures and a write-up for each place? There are some other local places I might look into: TV Hops (a hops farm in Wilder), the Heritage Hop Haus (looks like a craft brewery that does growlers), and Hops and Bottles (store). Your girl likes hops, okay?
An update: Mill 95 got back to me speedily and while no tours (like one of the few places in this state being responsible about that), they did say they'd answer my questions, so I'm going to start working on a list to ask. Regarding what a "hops service provider" is, Mill 95 seems to focus on "local capability to evaluate, care for and process hops" as well as provide regional (PNW) and other hops, according to this.
They’re a hop processing plant and broker. They process hops for most of the local growers as well as a new farm in NZ that sends them bales of leaf that they pelletize. It’s a really new facility that’s pretty state of the art as far as I know. Why do you need to put together a list of questions unless you’re looking to purchase large quantities of hops?
That's super interesting to me, honestly. As for the questions, I was planning on doing an email interview in lieu of doing a tour. I think it would be interesting to hear more about their business. For me, it's something local and beer-related that isn't a beer store or brewery, an aspect of the industry that gets less attention. In the future, I'd probably want to visit one or more hops farms around here.
Heya Lulah... Welcome to BA!! I don't review beers much on here anymore... but I've been to Parma Ridge a few times... In fact just two Saturdays ago a couple nerd buddies and I, hit Parma Ridge, the new place in Caldwell, and 2C in Nampa. Parma Ridge had 3x new beers on... and at last check, I think I have had 8-9 of theirs. Hope this helps... Toby.
