Ms. Brenda Sgaggi reports

JET FRESH HOPS

Big Rock Brewery Inc. has released its Anthea Wet Hop Ale, its newest Alchemist Edition release. You can expect the same smooth taste and citrusy notes as the company brewed in its 2013 version, but this time brewmaster Paul Gautreau has kept the beer unfiltered and added even more fresh hops.

Anthea is made with fresh Cascade hops from Washington's Yakima Valley and the company is excited to report that this year's hop harvest is better than ever. These aromatic cones were picked from the vine, packed on dry ice, jetted to Calgary and put into the company's brew kettle in less than 24 hours. The result? Mr. Gautreau put it best by saying: "Anthea is an aroma and mouthful of hops that will transport you to the fields of Yakima. Straight from the vine, you will never find a fresher flavour than what you get in this wet hop ale."

Wet hop beers are only brewed once a year immediately after the annual hop harvest in late summer or early fall. This is unique because the fresh hops are a very delicate ingredient and once the hops are picked from the vine they have to be in the company's brew house as soon as possible in order to prevent them from spoiling. In fact, the company starts brewing Anthea while the hops are still in the air on their way to Calgary.

Only 5,000 bottles are being produced, making this brew one of the company's more limited releases. Available in a 650-millilitre bomber bottle, Anthea Wet Hop Ale makes its appearance Oct. 24, 2014, in Alberta and British Columbia. To find out where you can get a bottle of Anthea, visit the company's website or follow the company on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest updates.