Why Sisters celebrates fresh hops

Sisters will tap the keg on an annual seasonal celebration of fresh hops on Saturday, September 27.

Such celebrations have become a major element of the Pacific Northwest's craft brewing culture.

So what's the big deal about fresh hops, anyway?

Wade Underwood, owner of Three Creeks Brewing Co. in Sisters and a participant in the Sisters Fresh Hop Festival explains:

"Once a year at harvest, we see an explosion of creativity all around one basic premise; taking hops from 'Farm to Finished Brew' in a matter of hours. We are on the phone with our growers weeks in advance of the harvest - moving our brew schedules around to ensure our tanks are ready on the day they harvest the variety (of hops) we have chosen.

"When the big day finally arrives, the aroma from the freshly harvested hops is wondrous and fills the entire brewpub. Absolutely amazing! The finished results are unique and impressive."

The Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce and Ray's Food Place present the fifth annual Sisters Fresh Hop Festival, Saturday, September 27, from noon to 8 p.m. at Village Green Park. The event will include two-dozen Oregon breweries featuring their best fresh-hop brew and some crowd favorites, along with free live music, food, and more.

"I'm looking forward to sharing our 2014 creations again - as well as getting an early peek at what our fellow brewers conjured up this year," Underwood said.

All the breweries for the 2014 festival are from within the state of Oregon. More than 45 different beers representing several different styles will be available for guests to sample and enjoy. Visit http://www.SistersFreshHopFestival.com for up-to-date information about breweries and their products.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit local nonprofits Family Access Network and Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, as well as the Sisters Chamber of Commerce High School Scholarship Fund.

For more information contact the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce at 541-549-0251.