Beer fest hops over to new location

For nine years, Three Creeks Brewing Co. has been hosting a celebration of the Pacific Northwest's contribution to beer culture with the Sisters Fresh Hop Festival.

This year, they're moving the location of the event to the expansive grounds of their production facility at 265 E. Barclay Dr. in the Sisters Industrial Park.

The event is set for Saturday, September 29, from noon to 8 p.m. It will feature music from Watkins Glen. Named after the biggest rock concert of the 1970s, Watkins Glen strives to create magical musical moments while paying tribute to the repertoires of four legendary American bands: The Band, The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band and Little Feat.

And, of course, there is fresh hop beer for the sampling. What is fresh hop beer? In order for a beer to be considered "fresh hopped," the hops must be picked and then brewed within 24 hours. The only time fresh hop beer can be created is during harvest season in late summer/early fall.

"Think of it as an herb: Dried vs. fresh. You will still get the herbal notes from the dried herb, but when it's fresh, you can taste the difference!" Three Creeks Brewing Co.'s website notes.

Most of the United States' hop production comes from the Pacific Northwest, thanks to rich soil, copious rainfall and mild air. Some two-dozen breweries from across the region will share their special seasonal brews at the event.

In addition to the fresh hop beer there will be food trucks, a photobooth, and music. Vendors from Warfighter Outfitters to Wild Roots Distillery will be set up around the beer tent. Kids and dogs are allowed at the event, but not inside of the beer tent.

To enjoy the fresh hop beers a Tasting Package that includes a pint glass and 5 tokens is required and costs $15. Additional tokens are $1, good for a 4-ounce pour.

The festive event is also community-minded. Every year, Three Creeks Brewing Company teams up with the Central Oregon Brewers Guild to raise money for a non-profit. In 2017, they raised over $10,000 for the American Cancer Society. This year, they are working with the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

For more information visit www.sistersfreshhopfest.com.