[Press Release:]
(Gorham, ME) – Each year since 2012, Sebago Brewing Company has brewed Hop Swap, an American-style IPA, with a new hop profile in order to introduce fans to the wonderful flavors and aromas that can come from hops. The profile for Hop Swap 2017 (ABV 6.7%, IBU 88), which ships this week, features Citra, Cashmere, Comet and Lemondrop hops. Craft beer fans can expect bold citrus and ripe melon aromas, accompanied by passion fruit and subtle mint.
“Hop Swap is always brewed using the same recipe, but we swap out the hops annually,” says Sebago Brewmaster Tom Abercrombie. “Throughout the year, we feature different hop profiles in our brewpub-only limited edition beers. This gives us the ability to learn more about how the flavors and aromas interact with different hops. Then, for Hop Swap, we match hops from these experimental brews to our classic Hop Swap American IPA recipe, and can the results.”
“Selling Hop Swap in four-pack cans allows more of our fans to enjoy the unique characteristics of these hops throughout our distribution area,” says Sebago Brewing Company co-founder Kai Adams. “We couldn’t be more excited to release this year’s edition.”
Three of the featured hops, Lemondrop, Cashmere and Comet, have recently made appearances in Sebago’s limited edition Single Hop Pale Ale Series. Comet is a bittering hop used for its subtle and unique “wild American” aroma. Cashmere is a dual-purpose hop with a smooth bitterness, herbal aroma and flavors of citrus and melon. Lemondrop is a new experimental aroma hop that also contributes to the bold citrus scent and crisp body of this year’s edition. Joining these three are well-loved Citra aroma hops, known for their tropical fruit characteristics.
Hop Swap is best enjoyed fresh, so a limited amount of the beer is produced to highlight these unique features. Hop Swap can be enjoyed on draft at Sebago Brewing Company’s four brewpubs in Portland, Kennebunk, Gorham and Scarborough as well as at various craft beer bars and restaurants throughout New England. The current batch will also be available in 4-pack 16-ounce cans at select stores and in 1/6 BBL kegs by special order. The 2017 hop profile will also be used for a fall 2017 release.