I guess I should’ve posted this before the merger but oh well... I know it’s a ways off but we have a wedding in Seattle the weekend of Sept 18th, rescheduled from last year. Just two questions, one beer and one non. 1)any chance I actually get some early fresh hop beers on tap or am I too early? I can’t believe I’m close to actually being there when they’re around. We’ll be staying in/around Fremont area. 2) maybe more exciting to me...anyone have some good day hikes in the mountains? I’ve done some research but figured you all may know otherwise. I’m blown away by what is in your backyard out there, like I can’t comprehend it and I hope to enjoy some of it while there. Thanks for any responses in advance. Cheers.
Hi there. Oregon resident here, but these comments will likely apply to Washington as well. Short version: September 18 is not too early for fresh hop beers. Your timing is good. Slightly more detailed version: According to my notes, last year I sampled more than 2 dozen fresh hop beers that had been canned before 9/18, including several from Washington brewers. The first ones started showing up in late August. By mid-September, the fresh hop varieties included Centennial, Tettnang, Hallertauer, Strata, Sterling, Cascade, and some early Simcoe and Mosaic beers.
That is some awesome news! Thanks for sharing. Fresh hop beers have always been special to me and I never thought I’d actually be in PNW to try them in season. Cheers and thanks for sharing.
Fresh hop season is my favorite time of year for beer. Highly biased tip: You'll probably see plenty of fresh-hop IPAs and pale ales, and those are certainly good styles to show off fresh hops. But if you see any fresh-hop Pilsners, do not hesitate! A good fresh-hop pilsner is a treat and a revelation.
Depending on the growing year, the FH brews start showing up late August. Mid September is right in the heart of the season. You will have access to moar FH brews than you'll be able to finish in a weekend. If you were coming to Bham, I could could help you with the hikes, but, I'm not familiar with Seattle area hikes, other than Tiger Mountain is popular, and there are options in the Issaquah area. I do want to hike Mailbox Peak though: https://www.wainnsiders.com/10-day-hikes-from-seattle-to-put-on-your-summer-bucket-list/
Thanks! Looks like I’ll be in for a treat in the fresh hop department based on both your responses. I know it’s far off, gonna be our first trip without kids ever and first time to PNW so we’re kind of excited. I know we probably never would’ve made it out there so it’s a nice forced trip and seems like it’s perfect timing for a a once in a life time fresh hop experience, as an East coaster that is.
Make sure to refresh this thread a couple weeks before ya head out, and we'll give ya updated intel. Plus, we generally start our annual FH thread in Early-mid August, you'll want to keep an eye on that as well. For reference, here's last years thread: https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/fresh-hop-2020.645054/
I've got lots of hiking experience and opinions. The big variables are how far you are willing to drive, and what your mileage/altitude gain goals are. And are you looking for big scenery and don't care about crowds (go to Rainier), or whether you want more solitude. Glad to provide advice. Maybe a DM/conversation is best, so as not to derail the thread too much.
Agree with everyone above: Mid September should be a good time for FH (and Fremont will be an excellent area to be based from), and there are more options for hiking than you can shake a stick at, depending on mobility (both of the wheeled and legged variety). It sounds like you already got hooked up with @VashonGuy there, but if you have any further questions/want recommendations I am also more than happy to bounce ideas. WTA.org could be a good starting point as well, for that side of things as it's got a ton of good information. Either way, cheers, and enjoy!!
