More Hop Harvesting and Drying

Here's some images of the hops picked and drying. My method is certainly not the most efficient for drying, but it's free! The hops will be dry enough to pack into ziplocks a few days, then it's into the freezer to hold onto the freshness as best I can.

Hop Harvest 2010!

The hops are ready for harvest! In fact, I've already picked a first batch, dried, and used them. Now the rest of the hop cones are getting ripe, so I'll be stripping the vine and getting ready to dry and package quite a lot. Last year these cascade hops (the same variety used heavily in Sierra Nevada Pale Ale) had a very floral aroma, but this year they smell both floral and a little spicy. Perhaps the vine is maturing? I don't know, but the aroma is great and I can't wait to start enjoying the ales!