Great Divide Fresh Hop Pale Ale

Great Divide Fresh Hop Pale Ale

I was looking forward to this beer.  I love hops, but I’ve never had a fresh hop beer.  A fresh hop beer is one that is brewed with wet hops, hops that have been recently harvested.  Having never had a fresh hop beer, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  It one of those things, if it’s really good it makes you a fan if not you’ll probably not want to drink another one.

Pour:

Give this beer a nice even pour with a bit of distance at the end to build a nice head.  This will also open up the aroma.

Appearance:

Pretty clear copper color with a thick well retained head.  Great lacing, especially for a Pale Ale.

Aroma:

Very hoppy, fresh aroma with a nice citrus hint, Very Very pleasant to drink.

Taste:

Will not be disappointed, a nice dry and super hoppy beer.  Although it doesn’t have the IBU’s of an Imperial Pale Ale or IPA, the hops really shine though.  The hops are pretty intense and very refreshing.  After you get past the intensity (not bitterness) of the hops, there is a very nice citrus – grapefruit flavor.  Not a complex beer, but flavorful.

Drinkability:

A Very nicely balanced beer.  Very heavy on the hops, but nicely balanced  with some sweet malt that brings out a nice sweetness.  Unfortunately, I finished the 22oz bottle before I realized it.  The beer was very refreshing, almost opened a second bottle.

Tasting Method: Tulip Glass from 22oz Bottle

Rating: 91