My first wet/fresh hop was the 2011 Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere which I thought was amazing. Fresh cut green grass, chlorophyll, just totally different from anything I've ever tasted. This year, the 2012 Northern Hemisphere was good, but nothing like last years. A few days ago I had the Saint Arnolds Fresh Hop Elissa which was good, but I didn't get those fresh hop flavors. Tonight, I paid almost 8 bucks for a Great Divide Fresh Hop Pale Ale 22 oz. which was just bottled 16 days ago and it tasted like a Titan IPA. So far, I'm totally unimpressed with this years offerings. Are this years hop crops the reason for this or am I chasing the dragon? Or perhaps my palate has become desensitized? I've been drinking a ton of IPA's for a while now. Yes I know I spelled disappointment wrong.
Honestly can't really speak for the Sierra Nevada or the Saint Arnolds, but the Great Divide fresh hop I had was pretty terrible, and was not what I expected. Better examples of the style if you can find it: -Founders Harvest Ale -Three Floyds BrooDoo
Founders Harvest Ale is terrific. Hard to find and a bit pricey when you do, but worth the effort and expense.
Bierwuver Member For the price, this years Sierra Nevada was 5 bucks and worth the money. Just not as good as last years. The Great Divide was a big disappointment considering what I paid for it. Saint Arnolds is not bottling their fresh hop but the pint was very reasonably priced for $4.50. Unfortunately, none of your recommendations are available in San Antonio.
Had the Fort Collins incredible hop(a wet hop) which just came out here in Pittsburgh. Uh....I did not enjoy it. Founders is the best one I have had
I have 3 fresh hops beers so far this season. Fremont Cowiche Canyon - excellent Freetail Fresh Hop Da Truck - pretty good. Seemed like more hops would make it better Founders Harvest Ale - very good. Perfect aroma that you would expect from a fresh hop ale. Need to get more while I am here in Michigan!
