Anybody try this yet ? My wife picked up one for me today - and I absolutely love this Idaho 7 hop. The malt base is simple and unassuming - 2 row and pale crystal. Pretty much deep gold, little or no orange, beautiful thick foam. Supposedly 55 IBU , with not much up front bitterness. It’s called an ‘IPA’ but in reality it’s more of a pale, hoppy APA to showcase a new hop, a great platform.
This hop (Idaho 7) is like nothing I’ve had - it’s sort of orange/ lemon/ herbal ,with a definite tea character , and a really pleasant but hard to define earthiness (ie., not ‘crappy earthy’ like Fuggles IMO). I’m assuming since Sierra is promoting this hop (like Equinox) that it’ll be trickling down to retailers at some point, and I can’t wait. It’s fairly assertive but not overpowering, and would work wonderfully in most any American style. Really unique, nice hop.
I haven’t seen it around here yet, but now I’ll be looking for it. I love all SN’s Harvest beers. Also interested in new and exciting hop varieties. Lots to be excited about here. Thanks.
I’m trying this now and your review is spot-on. I wasn’t sure I’d like the black tea character but I’m really digging this - it really compliments the orange & apricot. I’m finding this beer to be very pleasant and enjoyable, especially as it warms. Shoulda bought two!
It definitely drinks like an APA. And I could drink a lot of it too. The fruit’s there, but doesn’t punch you in the face. It’s funny, when I first cracked it open I didn’t get any of the citrus/fruit right away, just the tea. My mind immediately thought “Dark German Beer” and now I’m wondering how Idaho 7 might play in an altbier or dark lager.
And we’re reaping all the benefits MWAAA,hhaha. Well not all the benefits. I tiny, microscopic portion of the benefits really. But I hadn’t done an evil laugh in a while so…