We’ve entered a new era in hop experimentation. Not only are hop growers breeding new varieties to create desirable aromas and flavors, but they’ve begun to create blends of existing hops, to highlight particular profiles. BlackStack Brewing has partnered with Yakima Chief Hops to try out some of those super-secret new blends. The latest experiment is Hop Circles: Exhibit M Unidentified DIPA.
Hop Circles: Exhibit M
The latest taste trial involves the Mango Trial Blend. It’s paired up with some of BlackStack’s hand-selected Citra hops and is balanced nicely by a simple malt bill. Here are the results of the experiment.
It pours a brilliant hazy yellow, with a huge frothy white head of foam topping the glass. The bubbles begin to slowly settle and leave fluffy white clinging to the walls of the glass in their wake.
The aroma is all mango, passionfruit, and pineapple action, with a touch of berry in there too.
Mounds of juicy mango flood the mouth with flavor. It’s a tropical treat, with smooth pineapple, papaya, and a hint of bubblegum. A nice bit of sweetness and the malt is there just enough to balance things while letting the hops shine. Things remain juicy into the aftertaste, with the mango continuing to be a reminder of the satisfying sip.
Exquisite Exhibition
It’s awesome to see new hop blends being created and great to have an opportunity to test them before they become commercially available to brewers everywhere. The partnership between BlackStack Brewing and Yakima Chief Hops certainly excites, as they explore new hoppertunities together.
Get to your local liquor store or the BlacStack Brewing taproom to try Hop Circles: Exhibit M Unidentified DIPA now. It’s an out-of-this-world drinking experience.