Tag Archives: First We Feast

Meet the Haute New Hops of 2013

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Like pinwheel caps and Cosby sweaters, hops—the bitter flowers used to flavor some of your favorite beers—are forever going in and out of fashion. For a while, brewers couldn’t get enough of super-citrusy Centennial (found in beers like Stone Ruination and Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale), before being smitten by piney Simcoe. Then along came the white wine–like Nelson Sauvin and tropical Citra, which stole the hearts of brewers and beer lovers alike.

But craft brewers are a restless bunch. In their quest for novel flavors, they are forever seeking out new hops that they can use to transform familiar recipes, or use as building blocks for something entirely.

Curious about the eight of the hottest hops you’ll be hearing about in 2013? Check out my full story at First We Feast.

The United States of Beer

usbeer-940x500Now that’s a flag!

I spend much of my year on the road, traveling from town to town, state to state, drinking my fair share of local beer. I know, I know: It’s a tough job. And it really is! Have you ever tried to wake up at 7 a.m. and written a 2,000-word story with a jackhammer pounding away at your grey matter? That is no way to live, my friends.

But anyhoo, all that travel and beer drinking paid off for my first contribution to the new food and drink website, First We Feast. For the United States of Beer, I helped pick some of the best beers in each state. While the list may not be exhaustive, it is a fun one to debate. And it’ll tell you just what the heck you should drink in Nevada and New Mexico. Curious? Check out the tale!