Local brewer gives away American Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook hop plants each summer for Denverites to grow at home.
CONCEPT:
Each summer since the brewery opened in 2011, Denver Beer Co. hosts an annual “Neighborhood Hop Swap” during which the brewery hands out traditional American Cascade, Centennial and Chinook hop plants for Denverites to grow in their own backyards. The hop starters from Summit Plant Labs are well suited to grow in Colorado’s Front Range climate.
Denver Beer Co. provides the hop starters for free to anyone willing to give them water, sunshine, and a little love to grow throughout the summer season. Once the hops mature in the fall, Hop Swap participants bring their hop harvest back to the brewery where they are used in a true “local” brew. Hop Swap farmers have the opportunity to help Denver Beer Co. brewers craft a traditional American Pale Ale made with their own hops. Once the Hop Swap beer is ready for drinking, Hop Swap farmers are invited in to pick up a complimentary growler of their home-grown Hop Swap Ale.
BEER:
At the end of each September, the neighborhood hop “farmers” brought in their hop harvest which we use to create an awesome Neighborhood Hop Swap Pale Ale. The 2015 Neighborhood Pale Ale featured a base of 2-Row, caramel, and munich malts. A record amount of freshly picked wet hops were harvested by our favorite neighbors to create a rich, grassy, citrusy character.
WHO:
Denver Beer Co. invites anyone with a small plot of land, vertical space, and a love of craft beer to participate in the Hop Swap.
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 15 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Hops are first come, first served till they are gone!
WHERE:
Denver Beer CO.
1695 Platte St
Denver, CO 80202
HOW:
Denver Beer Co. distributes 150 hop plants on a first come, first served basis during the Hop Swap each summer. Hops are FREE!
WHY:
Creating a true community-grown beer with hops from Denver gardens is the highlight of our year. Each year the character of the hops vary as do our farmers’ soil, sun, and water conditions. As a result, the flavor of the beer is nuanced to reflect the conditions of the particular Denver summer and the unique Denver farmers who care for the hops.
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The idea behind Denver Beer Co is simple. Good beer is best enjoyed with friends, fresh air, and a bit of adventurous spirit to sharpen the palate. Our craft brewery specializes in artisan and seasonal varieties of premium ales and lagers made from the best ingredients around. Brewed with traditional methods and innovative spirit, our beer is always fresh and flavorful. We believe life and beer is fun. www.facebook.com/DenverBeerCompany