(Press Release)

THC IPA_Hull Melon and Blanc_FNL
Hull Melon and Hallertau Blanc hops are at the center of the Hop Concepts new release. (Photo Courtesy Hop Concept)

SAN MARCOS, Calif.—Fresh off the release of Tropical and Juicy IPA, the fourth beer of The Hop Freshener Series, The Hop Concept will be releasing a new set of exploratory beers that will change each quarter, beginning with The Hop Concept IPA: Hull Melon and Blanc.

While The Hop Freshener Series was devoted to exploring specific tastes and aromas, the new series will look to educate consumers on various hop characteristics. The Hop Concept IPA’s, similar to the Hop Freshener beers, will be brewed in limited quantities helping maintain freshness at both the on and off-premise channels.

An exploration of dry-hopping influences that will vary with each release, the first Hop Concept IPA will look to harness the Hull Melon and Hallertau Blanc hop varietals.

“It’s a great way for the brew team to continue delve into new hop varietals. It’s an ingredient they’re very passionate about ”, said Lead Brewer Steve Burchill. “It’s also possible some of these new combinations could work their way in to more established brands in the future.”

Huge aromas of bright passion fruit, pineapple and grapefruit will lead the charge from the Hallertau Blanc hops, while the Hull Melon hops will yield balancing floral honeydew melon and strawberry notes.

“Our Hop Freshener Series takes consumers on a journey based on taste and smell” said Tomme Arthur, COO and Co-Founder of Port Brewing/The Lost Abbey/The Hop Concept, “These new Hop Concept IPA’s are aimed at finding hops that play well together specifically in the dry-hopping process, giving each patron a tasty experience as well as a bit of education with each sip.”

With the addition of 4 additional quarterly beers, The Hop Concept will be upping its roster of beers to 8 seasonal offerings, each focused on limited quantities to ensure freshness.

The Hop Concept IPA: Hull Melon and Blanc (8.0% abv), is set for release December 2015 and will be available throughout the Port Brewing / Lost Abbey / The Hop Concept distribution network in 22oz bottles and limited draft.

About Port Brewing / The Lost Abbey / The Hop Concept
Founded in 2006, Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey produce an extensive line-up of continental and American- inspired ales and lagers. Under the direction of visionary brewmaster and co-founder Tomme Arthur, the brewery has garnered dozens of awards including the 2007 Great American Beer Festival Small Brewery of the Year, The 2008 world Beer Cup Champion Small Brewery and the 2013 Champion Brewery at the San Diego International Beer Festival. The company’s beers, many of which are aged in oak barrels for 12 months or longer, are universally recognized for their complexity, unique flavors and bold boundary-pushing styles. For more information, contact Port Brewing / The Lost Abbey at 155 Mata Way, Suite 104, San Marcos, CA 92069, telephone (800) 918-6816, and on the web at www.LostAbbey.com