New Hops to look for in your IPA’s

The more hop crazed of beer searchers may have already heard or consumed beers made from these hops but I thought it would be good to give a quick primer on them so you can choose what will make your palate sing.

Palisades – a new hop variety from the Pacific Northwest. It has moderately strong bittering, with a grassy, apricot-like aroma that’s often described as “pretty.” Can be tasted in Alameda Brewing beer.

Citra – A brand new variety first released in 2008. Citra is generally used in IPAs and hoppy specialty beers, prized for flavor and aroma of tropical and citrus fruit; including lime, melon, pineapple, grapefruit, passion fruit, papaya, lychee and others. Can be tasted in Kern River beer.

Glacier – is another 21st century variety. It was specifically bred for a balanced bittering profile and excellent aromatic qualities. Glacier is generally 4-6 percent alpha acid, and works well in American or British-style ales of all types. Can be tasted in ???

New from Widmer…

…is Citra Blonde-This Blonde Ale is a very smooth, refreshing, and drinkable beer. Light in color, body, and bitterness, but it is not bland. Widmer Citra Blonde’s point of differentiation is that it delivers an abundance of flavor despite its lighter profile. What’s even more special is that Citra is a new, very rare hop variety that only Widmer and two other brewers have access to. Made with Alchemy and Citra hops. ABV 3.8%,