Review: Deschutes Brewing Hop Trip Ale
On a recent visit to the Deschutes Brewery Portland location, I had the sheer pleasure of partaking in their Autumn seasonal – Hop Trip Ale.
Hop Trip Ale from Deschutes Brewing
This ale has a fun story behind it. You see, there are some great hops grown in the Willamette Valley area of Oregon (where I live). Bend, home to Deschutes Brewery, is a short 3 hour drive from the Valley.
Once a year, the brewers from Bend come over to the Valley to hand-pick their hops. Then, the harvested hops are taken over to Bend and boiled/brewed fresh. Hence the name: Hop Trip Ale
Hop Trip is available from October through December. So, how is this years batch?
In one word: phenomenal! I trialed a pint straight from the keg and enjoyed every sip of it. The hops flavor the beer in a smooth and savory way. This beer isn’t ‘hoppy’ the same way an IPA is – in the sense that IPA is bitter and shocking.
Hop Trip Ale is a bit stronger in flavor than an average pale ale.
So, get a bottle or pint the next time you’re out and about – you won’t regret it!
Tags: Bend, Deschutes Brewery, Hop Trip Ale, Oregon