Friday, January 11, 2008

Hops Shortage - Can This Wait?

I'm on a hop trip lately. The last month or so, I just can't get enough of HOPS. Funny thing is, I'm not a huge "hophead," but I do from time to time love me my hops. Alan's got the same thinking going on up North of the Border. Lew seems to be thinking in the same vein. Suzanne, too. William Brand, Eric Asimov (though not totally sure which side of the fence he's coming down on), Jon, and Jay. Even the scientists are getting in on the action. I just so happen to be writing this while enjoying (immensely) the Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA from Shmaltz. Such a friggin' great beer! Kind of takes me back to that memorable meetup with Mr. Bryson back in March '07. Between my Imperial IPA homebrew, Southern Tier's Unearthly IPA, Deschutes Hop Trip, Dock Street Rye IPA, Sierra Nevada Harvest Ale, and other hop beauties from Victory, Sly Fox, and Avery, I just can't seem to get enough of the Humulus Lupulus. Was it the Sly Fox Odyssey Project in December or all the news lately about hop shortages in the coming few years that did it to me? Dunno, can't explain it. But, I've got a bunch of stouts, barleywines, and other strong ales in the waiting. Well, at least there'll be hops in them there beers too!

2 comments:

David said...

Funny I have been on a non hop kick lately. Not sure why, just not into the hoppy beers as of late.

If you have a chance, find some Southern Tier Gemini. Its a very nice mix between the Unearthly and Hoppe.

Anonymous said...

It seems Keystone homebrew is limiting amounts of hops bought with purchases of grains.