The Hop (Humulus Lupulus, Linn.) is a native British plant, having affinities, botanically speaking, with the group of plants to which the Stinging Nettles belong. The sole representative of its genus in these islands, it is found wild in hedges and copses from York southwards, being only considered an introduced species in Scotland, and rare and not indigenous in Ireland. It is found in most countries of the North Temperate Zone. We find the Hop first mentioned by Pliny, who speaks of it as a garden plant among the Romans, who ate the young shoots in spring, in the same way as we do asparagus, and as country people frequently do in England at the present day. The young tops of Hop used to be brought to market tied up in small bundles for table use. The tender foliage, blanched, is a good potherb. Hops appear to have been used in the breweries of the Netherlands in the beginning of the fourteenth century. In England they were not used in the composition of beer till nearly two centuries afterwards. The liquor prepared from fermented malt formed the favorite drink of our Saxon and Danish forefathers. The beverage went by the name of Ale and was brewed either from malt alone, or from a mixture of the latter with Honey and flavored with Heath tops, Ground Ivy, and various other bitter and aromatic herbs. They knew not, however, the ale to which Hops gave both flavor and preservation. For long after the introduction of Hops, the liquor flavored in the old manner retained the name of Ale, while the word of German and Dutch origin, Bier or Beer, was given only to that made with the newly-introduced bitter Hops. Much of the value of Hops depends on the abundance of this powdery substance, which contains 10 per cent of Lupulin, the bitter principle to which Hops owe much of their tonic properties. The oil and the bitter principle combine to make Hops more useful than Chamomile, Gentian or any other bitter in the manufacture of beer: hence the medicinal value of extra-hopped or bitter beer. The tannic acid contained in the Hops adds to the value by causing precipitation, consequently cleansing the beer. Fresh Hops possess a bitter aromatic taste and a strong characteristic odor.

While the English were reluctant to use hops the Europeans, namely, the Germans lead the way in the use of hops in beer. In 1516 the Bavarians adopted the Reinheitsgebot. Otherwise, known as the German Purity Law. It was a decree that was issued to regulate the sale and production of beer. It stated that the only ingredients used for the brewing of beer must be Barley, Hops and Water. Of course Yeast is also part of the equation but in 1516 Yeast had yet to be identified. The unfermented wort was left exposed to the elements and it was magic that fermented it to beer. What it all boils down to is that hops are essential for the structure of beer. They contribute bitterness to balance the sweetness of the malt. Hops are a natural antibiotic in the production of beer. Hops also contribute flowery, citrus and herbal aromas that add complexity. Also, hops are integral part of head retention after a beer is poured. If the head disappears rapidly, chances are that very little hops were used.

I have listed classic styles where Hops are noticed and listed beers both classic and modern for you to taste.

Newsletter Featured Beers for the month of August

Pilsner - developed in the city of Plzen (Pilsen in German), Bohemia (now Czech Republic). It is generally distinguished from other lagers by a more prominent hop character, particularly from the use of Saaz (pronounced "zot-za") noble hops.       
           Pilsner Urquell, Plzen, Czech Republic Six pack Reg. $7.99 Sale $7.19
          The first Pilsner to be produced. Literally translated means, “Pilsner from the original source.”

          Schell’s Pilsner, New Ulm, Minnesota Six pack Reg. $6.99 Sale $6.29

Pale Ale - is a name given to beers using pale malts, which are top fermented. It is another name for Bitter. The term pale was first used to distinguish them from dark porters.
            Bass Pale Ale, England Six pack Reg. $7.99 Sale $7.19

           Full Sail Pale Ale, Oregon Six pack Reg. $8.99 Sale $8.09

India Pale Ale - (IPA, as know as Strong Pale ale and Imperial Pale ale), is a distinct style of beer and is characterized as a sparkling pale ale with a high level of alcohol (5.5% to 6.3% by volume) and hops, thus having an increased bitterness. The creation of India Pale Ale (IPA) during the 1790s was the result of tremendous efforts by British brewers to overcome a difficult problem: during the 1700s beer did not keep well on long ocean voyages, especially into hot climates. These hot environments resulted in the arrival of flat, sour beer. Hops were added to increase alcohol content and bitterness which in turn stabilized the beer for export.
             McEwan’s IPA, Scotland Six pack Reg. $9.99 Sale $8.99

            Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, Michigan Six pack Reg. $9.99 Sale $8.99

Hop Creations

           Hazed and Infused, Colorado Six pack Reg. $8.99 Sale $8.09

           Three Floyds Alpha King, Six pack Reg. $8.99 Sale $8.09

That’s right! The beers listed below are on sale for the whole month of August!
This is an in-store sale, so you do not need a copy of this newsletter.

Sierra Nevada Assorted 6-packs

All six packs Reg. $7.99 Sale $5.95

Sierra Nevada was built in 1979 by brewer Ken Grossman and co –founder Paul Camusi. Their micro-brewery was piecemealed together by old dairy equipment and soda bottling equipment. The brewery was named after Ken’s favorite place to go hiking. The first brew was on Nov. 9, 1980. It just happened to be the first batch of the now legendary Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. To this day it is still one of the finest pale ales available. Sierra’s popularity soared and they were able to expand their production to over 800,000 barrels a year in 1997. To this day they have stayed true to their roots. Ken overseas the production of the Ales and Lagers and ensures that only premium ingredients are used.

Six-packs available:

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale - Our most popular beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, is a delightful interpretation of a classic style. It has a deep amber color and an exceptionally full-bodied, complex character. Generous quantities of premium Cascade hops give the Pale Ale its fragrant bouquet and spicy flavor.

GOLD MEDAL WINNER
Great American Beer Festival (American Pale Ale: 1995, 1994, 1993; Classic English Pale Ale: 1992; Pale Ale: 1990, 1989, 1987)

Sierra Nevada Porter - Dark and rich, Sierra Nevada Porter is a delicious, medium-bodied ale with a creamy head. The Porter’s smooth flavor (malt with hints of caramel) comes from a blend of deep-roasted barley malts.

Sierra Nevada Wheat - Pale, smooth, and light-bodied, Sierra Nevada Wheat Beer is brewed from premium malted wheat and light barley malts, utilizing our traditional ale yeast. This unfiltered ale is finished with the characteristically spicy Strissel Spalt hops from the Alsace region of France.

Sierra Nevada Summerfest - Our Summerfest is a refreshing, pilsner-style lager. Its incredible smoothness comes from an extra-long lagering period. Lighter in body than our ales but just as complex in character, Summerfest quenches your thirst with big aroma and a tangy hop bite.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale - The long, cold nights of winter are a little brighter with Celebration Ale. Wonderfully robust and rich, Celebration Ale is dry-hopped for a lively, intense aroma. Brewed especially for the holidays, it is perfect for a festive gathering or for a quiet evening at home.

Tasting notes provided by Sierra Nevada