Sebago Hop Swap 2017

Each year since 2012, Sebago Brewing Company has brewed Hop Swap, an American-style IPA, with a new hop profile in order to introduce fans to the wonderful flavors and aromas that can come from hops. The profile for Hop Swap 2017 (ABV 6.7%, IBU 88), features Citra, Cashmere, Comet and Lemondrop hops. You can expect bold citrus and ripe melon aromas, accompanied by passion fruit and subtle mint.

Three of the featured hops, Lemondrop, Cashmere and Comet, have recently made appearances in Sebago’s limited edition Single Hop Pale Ale Series. Comet is a bittering hop used for its subtle and unique “wild American” aroma. Cashmere is a dual-purpose hop with a smooth bitterness, herbal aroma and flavors of citrus and melon. Lemondrop is a new experimental aroma hop that also contributes to the bold citrus scent and crisp body of this year’s edition. Joining these three are well-loved Citra aroma hops, known for their tropical fruit characteristics.

“Hop Swap is always brewed using the same recipe, but we swap out the hops annually,” says Sebago Brewmaster Tom Abercrombie. “Throughout the year, we feature different hop profiles in our brewpub-only limited edition beers. This gives us the ability to learn more about how the flavors and aromas interact with different hops. Then, for Hop Swap, we match hops from these experimental brews to our classic Hop Swap American IPA recipe, and can the results.”

I found it to be rather interesting given my lack of fondness for Hoppy IPAs.  Big and bright tropical fruit aromas. A bit of pine and some toasted malts are noticeable in the initial taste but finishes with Tropical fruits, citrus juice and zest, light bitterness with a tad of sweetness.  A subtle earthy pine and malt presence in the aroma.  Rather nice feel on the palate.