I always look forward to another care package coming from Hopworks Brewery, and whether it’s summer or fall, the beers are always unique and tasty. I’ll also admit up front that I’m a huge fresh hop beer fan, so getting a chance to sample a fresh hop Abominable beer from Hopworks, is something to get excited about. If that’s not enough fun, add in a Tequila barrel-aged gose and a spicy pumpkin ale and I think we’re in for a fun tasting.
Today we’ll be sampling Hopworks Fresh Hop Abominable, Great Gourds of Fire and Barrel-Aged Rindless Watermelon Gose. If you’re not familiar, Fresh Hop Abominable uses fresh Centennial hops from Goschie Farms in Silverton, OR, Great Gourds Of Fire is a pumpkin ale that is returning for 2023 and it uses Sauvie Island pumpkins from Bella Organic Farms as well as Ancho chiles, clove, cardamom, cinnamon and molasses & Barrel-Aged Rindless Watermelon Gose is a Tequila barrel-aged (6-months) version of the original Rindless that uses watermelon, lime and salt. Of course I can’t wait to try them, so off we go…
Hopworks Brewery Fresh Hop Abominable
Brewery Description: You've never tasted Abominable like this before!
ABV: 7.3%
IBU: 65
Style: Fresh Hop IPA
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Bright copper
Aroma: Earthy, resinous pine
Mouthfeel: Medium
Taste: Resinous piney hops & mild citrus
Overall: I love fresh hops beers and this one is no exception. The fresh Centennial hops impart a mouthful of delicious resinous piney flavors and the touch of citrus cleans it all up very nicely. This one is a keeper but get out there and enjoy one now while they are fresh.
Hopworks Brewery Great Gourds Of Fire
Brewery Description: Roasted pumpkins from Bella Organic Farm send good vibes along with cinnamon, ancho chilis, cocoa, and other spices.
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: 21
Style: Pumpkin Ale
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Amber red / brown
Aroma: Roasted pumpkins, cinnamon and nutmeg
Mouthfeel: Medium
Taste: Roasted pumpkin bread, cinnamon and spicy pepper
Overall: This beer leads with pumpkin bread-like flavors and quickly follows that with the warming head of Ancho peppers. The spicey mingle with these flavors nicely and after a few sips, the heat subsides and the complexity takes over, I like this unique take on a pumpkin ale and I’m excited to see it return for 2023.
Hopworks Brewery Barrel-Aged Rindless Watermelon Gose
Brewery Description: Watermelon Gose aged in fresh Tequila barrels for 6 months resulting in oak and fruity caramel flavors with notes of Tequila
ABV: 6.7%
IBU: 5
Style: Gose
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Bright reddish copper
Aroma: Lime & mild oak
Mouthfeel: Light
Taste: Bright lime, subtle oak, salt and watermelon
Overall: This beer has a lot going on. The lime is definitely dominant, as is the salt, but the earthy oak from Tequila barrel-aging and the sweet watermelon make for an intriguing mix. I love watermelon and while I’m not a Tequila drinker, I can appreciate how much that barrel aging adds to the overall balance of the beer. This is a really unique gose.
Hopworks Fresh Hop Abominable is available now in 12oz cans, Great Gourds of Fire is coming in Oct in 16oz cans and Barrel-Aged Rindless Watermelon Gose is available now in 16oz cans so get out there and try each one for yourself…you will not be disappointed. When you do try them, be sure to let us know what YOU think. zzubreebym
That barrel aged Rindless is deLISH!
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