Many moons ago, on my first visit to Washington State, I stumbled across I brewery that I wasn’t familiar with; but after just a few sips, I became a big fan. The beer was called Organic Hopworks IPA and the brewery is of course Hopworks Brewery in Portland, OR.
Jump forward to 2023 and I couldn’t be more excited to get a care package from Hopworks at mybeerbuzz headquarters. Just a few days ago, I brought you the exciting news of the Hopworks brand refresh as well as their new flagship beers, and it didn’t take long for me to love the new logo and branding (and beer).
Created to celebrate their 15th anniversary, the new branding features a prominent and striking mountain sunrise scene with the letter “H” fashioned in the mountain snow (Easter Egg Alert!) that I think will really stand out in the coolers at the beer store. Also note that the logo retains the familiar Hopworks target artwork that we all know and love.
I’m also excited to see that Hopworks Brewery has dropped the “Urban” moniker from their official name. If I had a beer for every time someone asked me what the difference was between Hopworks, HUB and Hopworks Urban Brewery, I’d be pretty drunk. This new logo and simplified name are both a great idea and I think it both will be really good for Hopworks Brewery moving forward.
As if that’s not fun enough, Hopworks has announced two new flagship beers, Overland IPA & Beer Time Pils as well as Ace Of Spades moving to 19.2oz cans AND going year-round. Of course I’m exciting to start popping open cans, so off we go….
Hopworks Brewery Beer Time Pils
Brewery Description: Beer Time Pils is about enjoying the destination, wherever it may be. It is a well-crafted classic German-style Pilsner with a herbaceous, crackery taste and a crisp, dry, floral finish. The art on the can features the vintage “BEER TIME” clock that hangs from the side of Hopworks’ Powell brewpub, with wings to serve as a reminder to stop in for a pint because, as they say, time flies. 4.9% ABV, 38 IBU. 12oz cans and draft.
ABV: 4.9%
IBU: 38
Style: Pilsner
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Light straw
Aroma: Biscuit, herbal & mild spices
Mouthfeel: Light
Taste: Biscuit malt with herbal and mild floral notes
Overall: I suspect Beer Time Pils will become the go-to beer for pilsner and lager lovers everywhere. The clean and crisp balance works well and the clean dry finish makes it really drinkable. Overall I think this beer has a lot to offer to experienced and new craft beer lovers, and I think the beer is infinitely drinkable.
Hopworks Brewery Overland IPA
Brewery Description: Overland IPA is about enjoying the journey, where our spirit of adventure brings us closer to nature. It is a modern West Coast IPA, perfect to enjoy by the fire at the end of a long day. Golden in color, with notes of citrus and dank pine, and a clean, bitter finish. The can art depicts a charging bison, once a decisive indicator of the health of the Western prairie. 6.9% ABV, 60 IBU. 12oz cans and draft.
ABV: 6.9%
IBU: 60
Style: IPA
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Bright gold
Aroma: Citrus, tropical fruit and resinous pine
Mouthfeel: Medium and satisfying
Taste: Citrus, grapefruit, tropical fruits with a dank pine finish
Overall: As a fan of all thing “Bison” from my hiking adventures, this beer had me before I even opened the can. The beer follows along nicely with a great mix of tropical and citrus fruits AND with a balancing resinous pine finish. Overall the mix of citrus and dank resinous hops makes for a really enjoyable sipping experience, and I think this west coast-style IPA has a really flavorful combination that you too will love.
Hopworks Brewery Ace Of Spades
Brewery Description: Ace of Spades Imperial IPA is a big, assertive hop bomb that won the World Beer Cup Gold in 2009. With bold pine on the nose and finish, and strong citrus notes, this fan favorite is an IPA lover’s rich, dank dream brew. 8.6% ABV, 90 IBU. 19.2oz cans and draft.
ABV: 8.6%
IBU: 90
Style: Imperial IPA
Packaging: 19.2oz cans
Appearance: Golden orange
Aroma: Citrus, resinous pine & mild herbal
Mouthfeel: Medium & robust
Taste: Citrus, grapefruit, sticky pineapple and robust stone fruit
Overall: If you read my reviews, you’ll know I buy and drink a lot of big IPAs, and today I’m excited to try one I’ve never had before. Ace Of Spades is is loaded with the flavors I love in a DIPA like grapefruit, pineapple, stone fruit and sticky resinous pine. The beer leans toward citrus but the resinous pine at the finish makes it satisfying and enjoyable. Overall, I think Ace Of Spades strikes a great citrus/resinous balance and even at 8.6%-AbV and 90 IBU, you will find this beer really drinkable and enjoyable.
A big thank you to everyone at Hopworks Brewery for giving me the opportunity to check out their new branding and flagship beers in-person. These beer are available now and year-round so be sure to get out there and try them for yourself…and when you do try them, be sure to let us know what YOU think. zzubreebym
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