Owen Grooms and Tony Mackley |
This was our best year yet, regardless of wet conditions and disease problems which I predicted 6 years ago. I am still a firm believer that if this crop is to work in NC. then we have to develop varieties that can survive our short days and wet conditions. Otherwise, have a lot of friends that like beer and like to work--think about that one, or be prepared to make $2.00/hour--about the most conservative amount I could come up with-- not even discounting my labor, what farmer really does.
Owen Grooms, my hops partner in the crime of "grooming hops" this year, examines the next hop to pick, only the best are selected. |
I am sitting next to 15 pounds of wet hops, part of a 20 pound total. This batch is going a local brewery to experiment with We are sending them 20 pounds. I will disclose this brilliant well established brewery in two weeks. I have been associated with them for while and appreciate their move to try brewing with wet hops.
Our first pick went to our newest and truly most local brewing company, Lookout Brewery located in Black Mountain. They received our first fresh hops earlier this week.
We are happy to hook up with them and other local breweries that are interested in brewing local beers. Because of Lookouts good tasting brews and their commitment to dealing with local products like hops (mine from 4 miles away), Riverbend Malt (based out of Asheville), and water from the deep wells of Black Mountain, I can think of no other fresher beer made in America. Talk about a low carbon footprint!
Tony Mackely sits in front of 21 pounds of wet Cascade Hops |
It's like a bag of gold! |
My pride and joy, Cascade mommas |
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