Wet Hop Beers 2019

All depends on the tastes you're looking for. So far for me:
Lupulin - no
Surly WET - yes, awesome this year
Castle Danger - the best. Better than surly. But more expensive and less beer.

Probably won't waste my time trying others. I'll just buy more Surly and CD

 

Lagunitas BY ,Wet ,CD Mosaic, all 3 worth a purchase.

 

It's interesting that new beer drinkers don't like this style of beer.

 

Really? Where are you hearing that? I'm actually under the assumption that it's the veteran IPA drinkers that don't like it. Those that don't realize that wet beers aren't going to be as piney/resiny as your typically IPA. Once I got past that (few years ago), I started to appreciate them for what they are.

That said, I do have a high standard for wet beers...

 

Born Yesterday is great this year. Reminds me of 2016 when it was the best wet hop of the season.

 

Had a Castle Danger and Surly Wet today and I agree with some that Castle Danger is slightly better than Wet. I like the Wet, but it has a pretty bitter aftertaste compared to Castle Danger. Both are fine fresh hop beers that I would suggest to anyone wanting to try the style.

 

I think Wet is more pungent but less flavorful than Castle Danger.

 

I'm not normally a Mosaic fan, and I thought the other all-Mosaic Wet (2017) was easily the worst vintage of the beer, but I do think 2019 Wet is very good, with the big caveat that it's not as bitter as it should be (based on the West Coast IPA substyle, past vintages, and my personal tastes). Whether that's due to the use of Mosaic or because Surly is intentionally dumbing down the beer to suit contemporary consumer tastes, I'm not sure. 2019 Wet emphasizes the herbal, leafy, "dank," even earthy possibilities of Mosaic instead of the lame fruity qualities that most brewers are going for these days with that hop. That said, all the best vintages of Wet have used Simcoe (sometimes on its own -- 2012 and 2015, originally combined with Citra -- 2009 and 2010), and I'm always going to be at least a little disappointed if Simcoe isn't in the mix.

 

I tried the 2019 Castle Danger Mosaic Fresh Hop IPA as well. It's a pleasant beer, although, like this year's Wet, insufficiently bitter for an IPA. It emphasizes the vanilla aspect of Mosaic too much for my liking. It's good overall and quite accessible (for better or for worse) but certainly not great and not in 2019 Wet's league, in my opinion. I tried Bad Weather Saturation Wet Hopped IPA at the brewery the other day, and it was a meaner beer (in a good way; more bitter, more earthy, not toned down for contemporary tastes). I'd slot it between the Surly and Castle Danger examples this year in terms of execution and my enjoyment, and I'd say it's the best of the three at capturing the spirit of the fresh/wet-hopped IPA.

 

With all due respect to Islay, I think Surly Wet is too herbal. I prefer the more juicy Castle Danger.

I need to find Lagunitas Born Yesterday and Founders Harvest now.

 

Did Schells do a FH Pilsner this year? Always loved those the years I was able to get some.

 

That Citra one 5yrs ago ? Was so good.

 

Castle Danger is excellent again and probably the most consistent of the annual options. Born Yesterday is good but not the standout it has been in some years.

I know they lowered the price some but do not appreciate the to the 12oz format for CD vs. the pounders.....

 

I really liked the Equinox one they did in 2014 as well. Was always a nice treat to pick up a six pack while visiting my in-laws in Omaha.

edit: Based on Untappd listings, doesn't look like they make them anymore. That's a damn shame.

 

Lupulin's was alright. Not bad, not great.

BY to me is a shell of it's former self. Glad I only got 1 6er.

Surly Wet is damn delicious this year.

Need to try CD, but with new 12oz cans and "lower price" that is still said to be expensive(post above) I'm not sure.. It hasn't been that great since they moved from bombers. I should clarify, it hasn't been worth the price IMO. A fine beer, but not $16-17 a 4 pack good. Especially considering what you can get now a days for that price.

 

Agree with others that this year's Surly Wet is drinking good. I still think I prefer the 100% Citra and 100% Simcoe over this variety, but I'm not complaining. Castle Danger has yet to hit the shelves here in Rochester. Will be looking for that. I also enjoy Founders Harvest and always pick that up when it hits the shelves.

 

I've always thought Indeed has had the best wet hop beer for the price, although CD definitely has my favorite this year. Haven't tried Surly's yet but I'm usually not thrilled by it.

 

Tanzenwald is Northfield has a pretty good one. Nice hop aroma, good, balanced hop throughout. Pleasant pine afterward. Imminent, also in Northfield, has a nice one. I preferred Tanzenwald's.

 

Anyone have an opinion on this years Indeed wet hop offering? Saw it in the store this week and will probably pick some up this weekend.

thanks