Blackhorse Brewery | Fresh Hop Ale
I was pretty excited when I heard Blackhorse Brewery had gotten a hold of fresh hops and were working towards a fresh hop beer. We’ve been very fortunate in that we have several hop farms in the area and in this particular case, Blackhorse Brewery worked with Kelly Ridge Farms in Meadowview, Virginia to get the Cascade hops used in this beer. Let’s check it out.
This beer pours with a big, frothy, fragrant head that, even after several sips, still coats the top of the beer very well. Grapefruit immediately meets the nose, not overpowering but welcoming. Floral and pine scents can also be found. This aroma carries forth into the taste with a bold citrus flavor. The bitterness imparted in the aftertaste tends to stick to the tip of the tongue while the sweet notes gravitate towards the back of the palate. The body is moderate as would be expected for 6% and 55 IBUs.
Final snobs: Fresh hopped ale brewed in Knoxville! I really don’t have to type anything else. The fact that these hops were used less than 12 hours after being picked is pretty awesome. Honestly I’m struggling to find anything in this beer to suggest as an improvement, it is very nicely done.
You can find this at Blackhorse Brewery, on draft and in cans around town. Find is soon as it is best enjoyed fresh!
Prost!