Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere Harvest is the second wet-hopped beer brewed to celebrate the hops harvest that I’m drinking in as many nights (I had the Two Brothers Heavy Handed last night). Here are some interesting similarities between Ken Grossman of Sierra Nevada and Jim and Jason Ebel of Two Brothers: both opened a home brew store before opening their breweries and both used dairy tanks in their breweries. Is that the recipe for success?

Sierra Nevada has been brewing since 1980. As such, they’re one of the original craft beer brewers. Critics call their beer among the best in the world. I can’t disagree, especially when it comes to the Northern Hemisphere Harvest.

The Northern Hemisphere Harvest was first brewed in 1996. It’s brewed with wet (meaning not dried) Cascade and Centennial hops from the Yakima Valley that are harvested and shipped the same day they’re picked. What this means is that the hops oils and resins are still at their peak, giving the beer an exceptional hop aroma and taste.

The pour is a clear amber orange. The hops really come through in the smell. It smells so fresh! There’s citrus, pine and some breadiness from the malts. There’s definitely a strong bitterness that comes through in the taste, but it’s backed by a sweet maltiness, making it drinkable, although if you don’t like bitter beers, you may have a hard time with this one. It finishes dry and crisp. ABV is 6.7%.

There’s also a Southern Hemisphere release of this beer, and I hope to be able to try that one (it uses hops that are harvested, dried, and shipped immediately from New Zealand). Both are limited release beers so may be hard to track down, but I can vouch that this one is worth the effort.

01.04.11

About Philly Beer Girl:

Philly Beer Girl is a craft beer enthusiast who aims to educate women (and men) about the wonderful world of craft beer. In addition to reviewing beers and bars on Drink Philly, she writes beer-related musings on her blog, Philly Beer Girl. You can also follow Helene on Twitter, where she tweets way too often - and at odd times - about what she's drinking.