6.8% ABV - 65 IBU's
Last season I tried to grow some of my own hops without too much to show for it (maybe this season will be better...), so I haven't had a chance to brew with fresh hops yet. Usually hops are harvested (Oct.-Nov.), dried, and then pelletized to preserve them for freshness. One would think that brewing with fresh hops would be the equivalent of fresh vs. frozen meat, but from what I've read pelletized hops aren't supposed to be that much different. They are necessary though because fresh hops don't preserve well and we like to brew and drink beer year round!
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Chico, CA) produces their fresh hop Celebration Ale each year after harvest time. It's been a few months since harvest, so I was wondering how fresh it would taste and I was delightfully surprised. It pours out a nice amber color with good carbonation. It has a nice hop aroma, but the really nice part is the bitterness. It's got a good bit of bitterness, but for some reason it seems smoother than usual... Is it due to the use of fresh hops??? As always, Sierra Nevada's product is well balanced and easy drinking. I'm a huge fan of their Pale Ale too.
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