The Pacific Northwest is responsible for nearly 90 percent of the hops grown in North America, with Washington’s Yakima Valley carrying the most clout, branded by the fresh, aromatic and bittering “Yakima hops” seen on beer labels of makers large and small. This time of year, beers that used these fresh-off-the-bine hops are being released to the hordes of hopheads demanding for their freshies.
A quick 101: a fresh (or wet or green) hop ale — typically of the IPA and pale ale persuasion — refers to beer that is brewed using hops freshly picked within 24 hours, and have not been dried or processed.
So, you feeling fresh yet? Fret not — there are plenty of beer-friendly festivals headed to the Pacific Northwest now to satisfy all of your fresh hop hankerings.
Portland Fresh Hops Fest | Portland | September 29-30
Back for its 14th year, this fresh hop affair celebrates the best of Oregon’s beers and features sips made from hops harvested in August and September. The hops go from the bine to the bottle within hours of harvesting, resulting in fresh tastes you won’t want to miss. Admission and parking at the event is free but tasting packages are $20 for a glass and eight drink tickets.
Fresh Hop Ale Fest | Yakima, WA | September 30
Recently voted one of the top 10 beer festivals in the nation, this beer bonanza stands to celebrate and showcase the best of the best in the beer industry. A day-long exhibition highlighting the hops grown in Yakima Valley from nearly 40 breweries, the freshest of pales will be poured at this tenured festival now in its 15th year. General admission tickets are available now for $45.
Hoptober Freshtival | Boise, Idaho | September 30
Found right in the center of downtown Boise, this “freshtival” has taken place in front of Boise Brewing each “Hoptober” since 2014. This year it will feature more than 60 fresh hop and seasonal beers from upwards of 30 local and regional craft breweries. Idaho is one of the nation’s top hop producers and part of this festival’s purpose is to educate beer sippers about local farmers and ingredients. Of course, drinking great beer while surrounded by friends and family is another main part of its goal. Tickets are $35.
BC Hop Fest | Abbotsford, BC | September 30
Celebrate the flavors of fresh hops at this five-hour festival that focuses on the distinct tastes in beers that are brewed with newly harvested hops. Thirty of British Columbia’s best craft breweries will converge this coming Saturday to share brews from their freshest harvest, resulting in some incredibly vibrant beers. What better way to celebrate the season? Tickets start at $33 CAD.
Hood River Hops Fest | Hood River, OR | October 7
This family-friendly event located in breathtaking Hood River will exhibit over 60 beers from more than 50 breweries from around the Pacific Northwest and California. There will be live music performances by local bands, delicious food available from a variety of vendors and collectable mugs provided with your ticket purchase to remind you later of this fresh hop function. Tickets start at $10.
Seattle Fresh Hops Fest | Seattle | October 7
Back for a second year at the Palladium of Hale’s Ales in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, 20 breweries pour their freshest for two sessions throughout the day, focusing on exclusively Northwest-made beer with the wettest of hops. A collaboration between City Fruit and Seattle Uncorked, the event also offers food from Hale’s available for purchase and tickets start at $25.
