Bounty of the Bine

In the early spring as the threat of late frosts loom heavily on the minds of neighborhood flower gardeners the perennial hop plant re-emerges from its winter dormancy. Projecting its tentacle-like bines out in the direction of the sun, climbing upwards is the hop plant’s primary goal. With a sturdy and tall length of natural twine and a good amount of fresh winter runoff water these bines will climb up beyond 25 feet on trellises and begin to produce small light green colored flowers. It is from these flowers that, in the early autumn, we brewers and beer drinkers find our Bounty of the Bine.
The fresh or “wet” hops from High Wire Organic Hop Farm in Paonia (Colorado) used in this ale are harvested and immediately used in brewing rather than being sent to the “oast house” for drying and packaging. Initial aroma presented with this ale exhibit the green characteristic as the typical resinous and fruity essence is blended with a telltale fresh grassy scent. Pale in color and style the Nugget and Cascade hops present with a smooth bitterness that balances well with the even keeled malt backbone. A unique fresh hop bitterness lingers on the back of the tongue but does not offend the palate. A clean and crisp finish is complementary to a light mouth feel and provides a welcoming invitation for another sip. Cheers to the bounty of the harvest…The Bounty of the Bine!