August isn’t just for lake trips, BBQs, and that final push of summer fun—it’s also the perfect time to level up your beer game. Whether you’re just starting to branch out beyond lagers or you’re a longtime IPA loyalist, a little hop education can go a long way in helping you pick the perfect pint.
At The Hoppy Brewer, we’re not just your local taproom near me—we’re a community hub for beer lovers of all levels. And with our rotating Live Tap List, there’s always something new to discover (or rediscover). So pull up a chair—preferably outside on our dog-friendly taproom patio—and let’s get hoppy.
What Are Hops, Anyway?
Think of hops as the seasoning of the beer world. They add bitterness, aroma, and flavor to balance the sweetness of malt. Different hop varieties bring different vibes—from piney and earthy to citrusy, floral, or even tropical.
Here are a few key hop profiles you’ll often encounter on tap at The Hoppy Brewer:
- Citrus-forward (Citra, Amarillo): Bright and juicy with notes of orange, grapefruit, and lime. Ideal for hot days and hazy IPAs.
- Piney and earthy (Simcoe, Chinook): Bold and resinous—perfect for West Coast IPAs or fans of that classic hop “bite.”
- Tropical (Mosaic, Galaxy): Bursting with pineapple, mango, and passionfruit flavors. Great in modern hazies and pale ales.
- Spicy or floral (Saaz, Tettnang): Found in traditional lagers and Belgian styles—think subtle complexity over punchy flavor.
Want to taste the difference? Ask our staff for a flight that highlights a few hop varieties side by side.
The Hoppy Brewer Hop Sampler: What’s Pouring This Week
Each week brings fresh surprises on our Live Tap List, but we always keep a lineup that lets hop lovers of all kinds find their match. Here’s what might be in your flight right now:
- Crux Cast Out IPA: Clean bitterness with pine and citrus.
- Fort George 3-Way IPA: A juicy collab with tropical fruit flavors.
- Sunriver Vicious Mosquito IPA: A classic NW profile with resin and bite.
- pFriem Mosaic Pale: Light, tropical, and endlessly drinkable.
- Double Mountain Hop Lava: Balanced hop-forward red ale with a malty backbone.
These are just examples—our selection changes often, and we’re always happy to recommend what’s freshest.
How to Order Like a Hop Pro
You don’t need a beer science degree to find a brew you love. Here’s a quick guide:
- Start with what you like: Love grapefruit? Ask for something citrusy. Prefer pine or pepper? We’ve got you.
- Ask for a sample: Our team’s always happy to pour a little taste.
- Order a flight: Four pours, endless learning.
- Pair it up: Try different hops with different snacks or meals—we’ll help you pick perfect pairings.
Pro tip: If you’re drinking outdoors, hoppy beers taste especially crisp and refreshing in warm weather. That’s part of why they shine at an outdoor taproom in Gresham like ours.
Why Hop Fans Love The Hoppy Brewer
Whether you’re a hop head or hop-curious, our Gresham taproom is the place to be:
- We rotate our taps frequently to showcase fresh seasonal releases and unique finds.
- We carry a huge range of IPAs, pale ales, and hoppy hybrids—including local legends and lesser-known gems.
- Our staff is here to guide you, not gatekeep. Whether you’re asking, “What’s an IBU?” or hunting down a specific brewery, you’ll get a warm welcome and helpful answers.
Plus, our outdoor seating, live music, and laid-back, dog-friendly vibe make it easy to linger while you explore.
Take the Learning Home
Not sticking around the taproom? We get it. That’s why we offer crowlers and growlers to-go, so you can turn any backyard hangout into your own private beer tasting. You can even snag some hoppy bottles or cans from our Beers We Carry page to keep the fridge stocked.
Want help planning a hop-themed tasting night or BBQ? Just ask—we love nerding out with fellow beer fans.
Find out why we are the Best Taproom in Gresham and read our reviews.