501: Perspectives on Fresh Hop Brewing With Bale Breaker, Single Hill, and Russian River

This week’s episode is another panel discussion recorded live at our Brewers Retreat in the hop country of Yakima, Washington, and features three brewers with decided experience brewing fresh hop beers—Kevin Smith of Bale Breaker, Zach Turner of Single Hill, and Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River. Through this ranging conversation, the three discuss celebrating the current harvest through the raw flavor of wet hops, how fresh hop brewing started and grew in the U.S., anchoring fresh hop recipes in ways that allow for late changes in varietals, planning for certain hops to arrive at specific times, designing recipes to highlight the flavor contributions of wet hops, managing pH swings, fresh hop addition methods, newer hop varieties like Thora, and much more.

This episode is brought to you by:

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PakTech This episode is sponsored by PakTech—delivering craft-beer multipacking you can trust. Our handles are made from 100 percent recycled plastic and are fully recyclable, helping breweries close the loop and advance the circular economy. With a minimalist design, durable functionality you can rely on, and custom color matching, our carriers help brands stand out while staying sustainable. Trusted by craft brewers nationwide, we offer a smarter, sustainable way to carry your beer. To learn more, visit paktech-opi.com.

Indie Hops Oregon hop country is heaven to world-class lager varieties, and Indie Hops is proud to have introduced Oregon’s newest lager hop, Lórien, in 2022. Lórien is in a growing list of beers that have found their way to the podium and—more importantly—into the hearts of lager lovers across the country. Discover Indie Hops Lórien. (Side effects may include rampant festivity, sales bumps, and exceeded expectations.) Indie Hops—Life Is Short. Let’s Make It Flavorful.