From Strange Fellows Brewing in Vancouver comes their "HOPDEVIL (a.k.a. Cowichan Valley Bine)" Fresh Hopped Pale Ale a beer using fresh hops from Maple Bay Hop Company. The beer pours a golden colour with a white head. The aroma consists of herbal hops with mild malts and citrus. The flavour is of grassy and herbal hops, citrus, grapefruit, mild stone fruit, biscuit malts and some bitterness. The alcohol content comes in at 4.5%. This is the first fresh hop I have tried from Iain Hill the brewmaster and it was in line with all of his beers. Very well made and full of flavour!
Commercial Description: The Hopdevil - that incarnate of the late summer storm capable of destroying hop fields before harvest - is feted each year by the farmers of Hoppeland, Belgium. After harvest, they parade & then burn effigies of the Hopdevil with the hope that he will be discouraged from returning. Of the opinion that a little superstition goes a long way, we raise a glass of HOPDEVIL - our fresh hop beer - to the prolonged absence of the Hopdevil in our local hop-growing regions. Brewed with Fresh Cascade hops from Maple Bay Hop Company this beer showcases the cones, using malt character only as a balance to the earthy & fruity hopiness. Flavours of honeydew melon & citrus escort this extremely session-able fresh hop beer.
Food pairing as per brewery: light savoury foods, spicy dishes
