IPA fans, beware: Hops supply isn't meeting craft-brewer demand
Thinkstock
The craft brewing industry is booming all across the U.S., but only three states — Washington, Oregon, and Idaho — grow one of the main ingredients fueling that growth: hops. Washington State's Yakima Valley grows the lion's share, about 77 percent, and although farmers there are increasing their hops output — especially the fragrant aroma varieties in demand among small-scale breweries — they aren't keeping up with demand from the rapidly-growing craft brewing business. The more aromatic hops are also more sensitive to the weather than their hardier alpha hop cousins, and Washington's warm summer last year hurt the crop. That's bad news for IPA lovers, notes Whitney L. James at Outside magazine. Unless your favorite brewery has a contract with Washington and Oregon hops growers, you'll likely face higher prices or, worse yet, less-hoppy ales.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
