Harvest time, 8/24/2013. Time to harvest the hops from the bountiful Cascade hop vines. The day started at 10am. The truck full of hop vines backs up to the picking area. Vines full of aromatic Cascade hops make their way to the tables where many were there to assist with the picking. Friends and family of the LaRusso's gathered around each vine and picked the ripe Cascades and placed them in the bucket where they were then transferred to the drying room in order to be prepared for packaging for sale.
I was there, lucky enough to know these fine folks, assisting with the harvest and getting the opportunity to discuss the farm and their future plans. The farm was started by Dave and his three sons Steve, Mark and Don LaRusso. The idea came about, as I understood it, by them enjoying a couple of beers and hearing of the hop shortages that brewers and homebrewers alike face each year. They had farm land, that has been in their family, and the drive to start a hop growing business. They were off and running.
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| Pictured: Mark and Steve LaRusso |
The LaRusso's had decided to start out growing Cascades. They planted a relatively small crop in order to start out slow, sell what they harvested and then move on to other varieties. First year hops generally do not give a huge yield at harvest, but due to great fertile soil, abundant sunlight and water the vines were just packed with hop cones. They looked as if these hops had grown here for years. As we started picking the hops from the vines the smell of fresh Cascades filled the air. It was an aromatic heaven for beer geeks. Being a homebrewer enjoy the smell of hops and love what it does to the smell and taste of beer. I was definitely in heaven.
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| Fresh picked Cascade hops drying |
I must have been a good harvester as they gave me a sack full of the hops and I went right home and brewed up a LaRusso Cascade Pale Ale that I will be bringing over for them to try. These hops are up for sale for professional brewers as well as homebrewers that are looking for fresh Cascades for their next brew. If you're interested in contacting La Russo Hop Farms for hops, please do so at the contact info below. I will be updating everyone on their progress and what plans they have in the future. They are Colorado local growers so let's give them our support!!!
Visit them at their Facebook page by clicking the following link:
Or call them at the info below:
La Russo Hop Farms
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