Washington’s fresh hop season: A Must-Experience for Beer Lovers
Washington State boasts a wonderful blend of geography and climates for small batch brewers to thrive. The world’s leading hop-growing region is just about two hours away from Bellevue. A road trip down the I-90 E to Yakima Valley, the "home of the hops," bears fun stops along the way, including Mount Rainier National Park. You can use WTA.org to find trails that fall in line with your trip. If you love exploring small towns, you’ll enjoy a stop in Ellensburg.
Yakima Valley supplies 75% of the nation’s hops. As August and September rolls around each year, fresh hops are harvested and delivered to breweries. This can only mean one thing: Fresh Hop Season.
What Are Fresh Hop Beers?
According to Dan Arildson, who gets to work directly with these precious fresh hops,
"fresh off the vine, these hops have not been dried or processed, providing a special beer with a bright, fresh hop flavor.”
Bellevue Brewing Co: Fresh Hop Season Is Now
Bellevue Brewing Co. is Bellevue's pioneering microbrewery, and is celebrating this fresh hop season with four fresh hop beers. Only 2,000 pints of fresh hop brew is available for each of the varietals. Take the BellHop free electric shuttle or the 2 Line light rail, it's just a short walk from the Spring District Station.
2024 Fresh Hop Lineup
Bellevue Brewing’s lineup this year features a mix of hop varieties, each sourced from family-owned CLS Farms in Yakima Valley. They include Centenial, El Dorado, Cashmere, and Altus hops. Dan reminds us how much time is of the essence:
“try one, or all four in flight, soon - as they will be gone by the end of November if not sooner!”
Where to Find Fresh Hop Brews in Bellevue
For some other fresh hops in town, these are some of the top hangout spots in Bellevue that are serving up the limited-time autumn treat.
Tapster Bellevue
At Tapster Bellevue, I spy at least three fresh hop IPAs to taste on the menu at the time of this publishing. It's a lively spot in downtown with bright yellow taps and bright yellow chairs.
Resonate Brewery
Resonate Brewery announced on IG that it’s a “fresh hop face off” with two IPAs: Petal Gods and Petal on Metal. Other reasons to love Resonate Brewery: really great pizzas and an actual neighborhood gem.
The Redd Dog
The Redd Dog, is an awesome dog-themed and dog-friendly on the patio. This pour-it-yourself tap bar is also offering fresh hops from craft brewers in the state. There’s a free treat in store for pups in their Halloween best.
Plan Your Visit This Fresh Hop Season
If you’re a beer lover, Fresh Hop Season in Bellevue is not to be missed. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to stop by Bellevue Brewing Company for an unforgettable craft beer experience. Grab a pint of these limited-edition brews and enjoy the freshest flavors of the season.
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