Monday, the Oregon Hop Growers Association issued a press release that began:
“Next week, many of Oregon’s hop growers will begin the first round of harvest, with fresh hop beer season soon to follow as brewers pick up fresh hops from local farms for a once-a-year beer experience unique to the Pacific Northwest. Growers and brewers say Oregon beer drinkers should be especially excited about this year’s batch, as favorable weather yielded high-quality hops.
“’After a few tough years with hop acreages declining as beer sales dipped, Oregon hop growers are especially excited about this year’s hop harvest. The mild spring resulted in ideal growing conditions for the hops, meaning we’re expecting great flavor and aroma,’ said Michelle Palacios, executive director of the Oregon Hop Growers Association.”
What could go wrong?
Smoke, as growers and brewers learned with the 2020 harvest.
Wildfires in Central and Eastern Washington triggered an air quality alert in the Yakima Valley this week. It is also higher today in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, although forecasts are for more favorable conditions soon.
If you want to worry about this on a daily basis, a few links:
– Yakima Valley air quality information. Scroll down for map.
– Willamette Valley air quality information. Scroll down for map.