The cascade hops are starting to grow. Last night I strung up some string and wrapped the vines around them. I am thinking I may need to swap the string soon because I have heard of string rotting and this is just cheap stuff I found in my garage but I needed to do something because they were starting to get long. So if anyone knows of some good stuff to use let me know. I also plan on laying down some mulch tonight as well to keep the moisture in, I should have done that earlier but, well, I didn’t. I planted these kinda late but I did keep the soil moist. Each plant is Cascade, I ordered two kinds, Cascade and Mt. Hood. When they arrived I had three Cascade rhizomes, even though I only ordered one, and one Mt. Hood. I planted the Cascades together and was going to bring the Mt. Hood up top my parents but decided to give it to a friend. The instructions told me to separate them 3 feet apart but it is obvious that I did not. I figured that I may cut back on the middle one if they start to get weak but I think I should be fine. So hopefully my homebrewing will start soon so in about two or three years I can use these for some dry hopping.

So after busting a sweat tying these things up I cracked open a fine beer that uses Cascade hops, Founder’s Centennial IPA. IPA’s are my favorite style and IPA’s like this are my favorite because of their high usage of Centennial, Cascade and Columbus hops and the citrus aroma and flavor they produce. The head is nice and frothy leaving a lacing that clings to the glass like a spider’s web. The taste is simply exquisite, not too boozy or too hoppy but just enough. Founder’s has just recently came to Minnesota and we are glad they did. They have a great selection of beers including their famed Breakfast Stout which to me is probably one of the best stouts I have had. I plan on getting all their styles this summer and I am looking forward to their Red’s Rya PA and their Pale Ale. I was at Stub and Herbs for their arrival in MN and had the Centennial and Canadian Breakfast Stout and found the Stout to be unimpressive, especially for it’s 5 dollars for 5 ounces price tag. But the other beers I have had from them are great, especially the basic Breakfast Stout. So welcome to Minnesota, Founders. Glad you could join the party.

Founder’s Centennial IPA

A+