I was right!

General Homebrew Discussion
1

Just have to crow a bit.  I recently stated on this forum somewhere that my favorite Imperial IPA is Bale Breaker’s Mt. St. Humulus.  This is not just because they are from Yakima.  I have tried many imperial IPAs including most of the highly coveted examples.  This one is my favorite.  They are going to release this year’s edition tomorrow at the annual Hop Mob in Seattle, and at the brewery. The Washington Beer Blog just announced that Mt. St. Humulus won first place among the ~50 breweries at this year’s Hop Mob!

Top Four: 1) Bale Breaker Brewing Company, 2) Georgetown Brewing, 3) Reuben’s Brews, and 4) Schooner Exact Brewing Co.

I wish I could send some to you all, but it is only sold by the keg.  I’ll be at the brewery tomorrow drinking my share… and maybe a bit of yours too.

2

Nice!

3

Ha ha!  I just told my son-in-law about the win and this was his response:

“Not surprised.  I have yet to find a way to describe the moment I first took a drink that isn’t super weird.  As I recall it there were clouds breaking to let in majestic rays of sunshine, and a magnificent choir singing in the distance.  The winds picked up to an enjoyable breeze and even the animals were frolicking in delight.  So yeah, kind of hard to talk to people about.”

4

if it’s anywhere near as delicious as their IPA, I’m sure it’s amazing.  Having said that, IMO Field 41 is just about the perfect APA and my go-to PNW beer.  I know Hieronymus feels similarly.  They make great beer; hope I can try this one someday.

cheers–
–Michael

5

pretty awesome.

and funny too - I looked it up - uses Mosaic, Ekuanot and Citra.  I started using 50:50 Ekuanot/Citra in my IIPA last summer - its the best IIPA I’ve ever had, and needless to say, I won’t be tinkering with my IIPA hop bill anymore.

Enjoy!

6

I think I would have say the best IPAs I’ve ever had are a tie between Bale Breaker and Block 15’s Sticky Hands.  I was gonna go with Bale Breaker, but I picked up some Sticky Hands yesterday and damn…

7

I’ve not come across Block 15 yet, let alone Sticky Hands.  I’ll definitely keep my eyes peeled.  Where is the brewery?

8

Brewery is in Corvallis OR about 30 mi.north of me…http://block15.com/  I believe they used some of the new YCH cryo hop powder in it.

9

Man, I’ve always wanted to live in the PNW. This does NOTHING to change my mind  :).  Makes me want to track some down when I can vacation out that way.

10

I need to buy some more Ekuanot - still haven’t split it with Citra yet. Next IPA!  My Galaxy/Citra IPA is mighty fine right now, though.

11

Love that blend. Even with a bit of cascade to tone down some of the tropical fruitiness. Those two together are awesome.

12

Yeah, for sure. This is the first IPA I’ve spunded. The hop character is just fantastic. The other test will be in its longevity.

13

cool!  my next IPA is going to be equal parts Citra, Ekuanot, Azacca and Mosaic, bittered with WaRRioR - Tropical C.r.E.A.M.

back to the topic though - I’ll have to see if I can get my hands on some of this Bale Breaker, given that you all like it so much.

14

Sounds good!

15

Bale Breaker Top Cutter was so good when I was at hop school in Yakima.

16

Indeed.  Did you guys make it out to the taproom?

17

No, ran out of time. After Hop School we drove down to see friends in Bend. That was fun too.

18

I’ll bet!  We headed out to the tap room last year ans it’s gonna be an annual event!  Hope you can make it back.

19

Those friends have moved. If we come back out, we wi head there and then loop out to see PostDoc.

20

Jeff, Let me know when you make it out here.  I’d love to have a beer with you at PostDoc.