We brought you a peek at this beer back in Sept, and now the full details from Great Divide:
DENVER, CO – Jan. 4, 2017 – This month Great Divide Brewing Company will introduce the first edition of their new Hop Disciples Rotating Hop Project IPA. Hop Disciples takes a bright, clean IPA and puts a different hop variety at the forefront of the sensory experience every year. The inaugural release features Idaho 7, which shows up punching with aromas of orange zest and stone fruit complemented by a hint of black tea leaves. With a golden blonde hue and an approachable 6.2 percent ABV, this IPA is just tough enough to kick 2016 to the curb and give people something to celebrate in the New Year.
“We receive different experimental hops to play around with on our pilot system each year, & this past year we were really blown away by the aromatics and flavor of the Idaho 7,” said Bob Malone, special operations at Great Divide Brewing Company. “We decided we needed to showcase them on a larger scale, and the idea of taking Hop Disciples to package was born.”
The name “Hop Disciples” has history with the Colorado brewery and was the inspiration behind the beer. Born in 2008, Hop Disciples is a free education program hosted by Great Divide brewers as a way to share their passion and knowledge of beer with homebrewers, craft beer fans, and individuals who are curious about the industry.
Using the motivation behind the program, the brewery decided to keep the name and spirit of Hop Disciples alive by creating a new seasonal beer with it. The packaging pays homage to the program and its original “biker” design, which was emblazoned on sweatshirts, hats and tees throughout the program's lifetime. As a rotating hop series, Hop Disciples will give the brewers the chance to showcase unique hop varieties each year, leaving the base recipe unchanged to really highlight the magnitude of difference that each hop can make.
Hop Disciples will be the first release in the Tank Farm Series for 2017 and will replace Old Ruffian Barley Wine. The Tank Farm Series is an opportunity for Great Divide to showcase experimental styles outside of the seasonal six-packs or Barrel Aged Beers. The series includes Nadia Kali Hibiscus Saison and Fresh Hop Pale Ale, both of which will be released later this year.
“We know that many people, including myself, will surely miss Old Ruffian,” said Brian Dunn, founder & president of Great Divide Brewing Company. “In order for us to continue to innovate we sometimes have to put great beers into retirement to open up capacity and to push ourselves as a brewery."
Hop Disciples is now available in 6-packs and on draft nationwide through April.
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