McMenamins Thundercone Fresh Hop Ale Hits Taps on September 19th
The fresh hop beer releases continue to be hitting area draft lines. McMenamins is no exception as they announce the release of Thundercone Fresh Hop Ale on Friday, September 19th at all of their locations throughout Oregon and Washington.
This year marks the 5th anniversary for Thundercone. McMenamins brewers made their way to Sodbuster Farms in Keizer to acquire 1,100 pounds for freshly picked Brewers Gold hops. Once the hops were loaded up they were then promptly delivered back to all 22 McMenamins breweries on the same day, henceforth known as “The Running of the Brewers.”
Once these fresh hops arrived at each brewery, Thundercone Fresh Hop Ale was brewed within hours. The resulting beer is said to be, “an absolute fresh hop showcase, with a smooth foundation, slight maltiness and earthy, spicy fresh hop flavor. Taste the decadence in a pint near you!”
Here’s a video clip that McMenamins put together a few years back about how they travel to Sodbuster Farms to gather the freshly picked wet hops each harvest season.
Thundercone Fresh Hop Stats:
Malts: Canada Malting Superior Pilsen Malt, Franco Belges Caramel Munich 40
Hops: Chinook (Bittering), Fresh Brewer’s Gold hops (Flavor & Aroma)
OG: 1.061 TG: 1.013 ABV: 6.19% IBU: 56 SRM: 7
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.