July is Here

The Father's Day Beerfest was a great success for the Washington Beer Commission who will reap the awards of all those beer drinkers who found their way to the beautiful St. Edwards Park. The interest in craft brewing continues to grow and nationwide as well as locally there has been over 10% annual growth. As a result many of our local breweries struggle to find a way to keep up. Many are expanding and others just work harder than they normally do.

It is good that people are buying locally. Not only is that good for the planet but your chance of getting a fresh and wonderful beer is always better. Buy it local taste if fresher!!!

The Hops situation. The hop shortage will be apparent soon. If you happen to be growing hops you notice how fast they are moving up to the sky. Soon they will be budding and by mid september they will be ready to harvest. The 6 weeks of harvest time is not far off at that time everyone will know what their hops will cost and what will be available. There really has not been any shortage of hops that has affected beer in the pubs. In fact we have had some amazaing beers with an abundance of hops. But some brewers are warning that prices will rise again. Malt has also gone up 30% or more. Stay tuned for the 08 harvest. 2009 should be better as more acreage has again been turned over to hops.