Wet or Fresh hop beer is used interchangeably and is a seasonal specialty brewed with hops that are harvested and used within hours of picking giving the beer a unique flavor and aroma that is impossible to achieve with dried hops.
Wet hop beers are brewed in the late summer and early fall, when the hops are at their peak ripeness. The hops are added to the beer at various stages of the brewing process, depending on the desired flavor and aroma profile. These hops are used in a variety of styles, including pale ales, IPAs, stouts, and porters, however, the most common style is the fresh hop IPA which are known for their intense hop flavor and aroma, which is often described as being grassy, floral, and fruity.
More than any other beers , wet hop beers are best enjoyed fresh as the hop flavor and aroma fade over time. However, most wet hop beers are drinkable a couple months after they are brewed. If you're a craft beer fan, you need to try fresh hop beer. It's a seasonal delight! just remember to:
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Drink them as fresh as possible. The hop flavor and aroma will fade over time.
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Serve slightly chilled to preserve the hop flavor and aroma.
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Pair with food that will complement the hop flavor and aroma such as grilled meats and seafood, as well as spicy foods.
