Nearly 400 pounds of Vashon-grown hops made it into a fresh hop beer at Ghostfish Brewing Company in Seattle last week.
Community members celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Sweet Alyssum Farm, a cut flower and hop farm on Bank Road owned and managed by Alyssa O’Cotter, as 240 hop plants were cut and picked for the brewery. Live music, food and, of course, beer rounded out the festivities.
The harvest party marked the second year of a coordinated fresh hop brew between Sweet Alyssum Farm and Ghostfish. Maven Meals, a meal delivery company with Vashon roots, provided food and treats for the event, completing the collaboration of local businesses.
“This year, Ghostfish’s fresh hop beer will include Cascade and Comet hops from our farm,” said O’Cotter.
Fresh hop beers are a more rare, seasonal style of beer that incorporates whole, fresh hop cones for an aroma and flavor profile distinct from beers brewed with kiln-dried hops. This style of beer is tied to the annual hops harvest, and the perishable hops from Sweet Alyssum Farm’s travelled fewer than 20 miles to their awaiting brew.
In addition to the hop yard, Sweet Alyssum Farm grows cut flowers for farmers markets, wholesale, plus weddings and events. The farm is in its seventh year of business, and sixth season on their Vashon location. Their flowers are available on island at a you-pick and farm stand on Bank Road, seasonally.
“The hops are a passion crop, which started as an interest but now complement our flower production,” said O’Cotter. “Plus, now we look forward to the annual celebration and collaboration they provide.”
Ghostfish Brewing Co is a Seattle-based brewery and restaurant in the SoDo neighborhood with a gluten-free menu. The beer with Vashon hops will be available by October at the Ghostfish taproom, and in select stores.
Sweet Alyssum Farm is located at 17628 94th Ave SW, but look for the farm stand sign and entrance off of Bank Road, as the main address does not lead to the farm stand.
James Cottrell is an indie cider maker, among other sustainable pursuits, who has lived on Vashon for almost 30 years.
Brian Thiel of Ghostfish Brewing, in right foreground, celebrates at a harvest party. (James Cottrell Photo)
Colin Macintosh Photo Perishable hops from Sweet Alyssum Farm’s travelled fewer than 20 miles to be brewed into beer in Seattle.
