Anchovy hops, developed by Segal Ranch in Yakima, Washington, is an exciting experimental hop that has recently gained attention in the brewing world. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of working with Anchovy hops and exploring its unique characteristics.
When it comes to the aroma of Anchovy hops, it is truly captivating. The first thing that comes to mind is watermelon hard candy. It's as if you took a bite into a sweet, juicy watermelon candy and the aroma is released into the air. This fruity note is complemented by hints of raspberry, adding a delightful berry sweetness to the overall aroma profile.
However, it's not all about the fruitiness with Anchovy hops. There is also a distinct pine note that emerges, providing a refreshing and resinous element to the aroma. It's like taking a walk through a pine forest on a warm summer day, with the scent of fresh pine needles filling the air. This pine character adds complexity and balance to the overall hop profile.
In terms of brewing with Anchovy hops, it's important to consider the impact it will have on the final beer. The watermelon and raspberry notes can bring a delightful fruitiness to the beer, making it a great choice for hop-forward styles such as IPAs and pale ales. The pine character, on the other hand, can lend itself well to more traditional and earthy styles like amber ales or even certain lagers.
I remember a particular brewing experience where I used Anchovy hops in an IPA recipe. The aroma that filled the brewhouse was absolutely incredible. The watermelon hard candy note was so pronounced, it almost felt like I was standing in a candy store. The raspberry undertones added a lovely sweetness that balanced out the hop bitterness. And when I took a sip of the finished beer, I was pleasantly surprised by the lingering pine aftertaste, which brought a fresh and invigorating element to the overall flavor profile.
It's worth noting that as an experimental hop, Anchovy hops may not be readily available or widely used in the brewing industry just yet. However, for those adventurous brewers and beer enthusiasts who want to explore new flavors and aromas, Anchovy hops are definitely worth seeking out. The unique combination of watermelon, raspberry, and pine make it a standout hop that can add complexity and intrigue to any beer.
Anchovy hops, developed by Segal Ranch, offer a truly captivating aroma profile with notes of watermelon hard candy, raspberry, and pine. Their fruity and resinous characteristics make them a great choice for hop-forward styles of beer, providing a refreshing and unique flavor experience. While still considered experimental, Anchovy hops are definitely worth exploring for those seeking new and exciting hop varieties in their brewing endeavors.