Count me as someone who was excited to hear that Summit was releasing a Fresh Hop IPA for their next beer in the Unchained Series. Summit brewer Tom Mondor took on the task of brewing the very first Fresh Hop beer to come out of Minnesota's pioneering craft brewery.

He accomplished this by sourcing freshly pelletized Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook hops from Roy Farms in Moxee, Washington. Wet Chinook hops were brought in from Michigan as well which contribute a nice piney flavor to the Caramel Malt based beer. The Cascade and Centennial hops give a nice citrusy aroma and flavor to this well balanced brew which clocks in 70 IBUs and a surprising 7% ABV. Anyone who knows anything about fresh hops knows that this beer was not cheap to make.

This offering is one of my favorites in the series and it makes me want to smoke one last brisket to pair it with before the snow starts flying. While I wouldn't put this up against Surly Wet, rest assured I will buy the hell of out this until it's no longer available.

Fresh Hop Pellets: Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook

Wet Hops: Chinook

Malts: Full Pint 2 Row, Munich, Caramel Munich, Best Caramel Malt Light

Yeast: American Ale

IBUs: 70

ABV: 7%

Cheers!