When harvest season hits the Yakima Valley, the brewing team at Reuben’s Brews works on a timeline measured in hours to produce Fresh Hop Double Crush. The result of that frantic, fragrant pace is the heavyweight champion of their seasonal lineup.
As a fresh-hop twist on their award-winning Double Crush, this beer represents the pinnacle of “Hazy” brewing in the Pacific Northwest. Here is why the 2025 vintage is a must-try.
From Bine to Brew in Record Time
The “Crush” series has always been Reuben’s Brews love letter to the New England-style IPA, but the Fresh Hop Double Crush adds an element of agricultural urgency.
For the 2025 release, the brewers utilized freshly harvested Simcoe hops sourced directly from Perrault Farms. These hops were picked, transported across the mountains, and added to the kettle while still dripping with the oils and resins of the field.
The 2025 Fresh Hop Double Crush Profile: Simcoe at its Finest
While the base Double Crush is famous for its tropical fruit punch, the addition of wet Simcoe hops introduces a layer of “green” complexity that only exists for a few weeks a year.
- The Stats: 8.0% ABV | 60 IBU
- Aroma: An immediate hit of sweet mandarin orange and mango, followed by an earthy, slightly resinous undertone characteristic of fresh Simcoe.
- The Palate: True to its name, this is a “juice bomb.” You’ll find notes of ripe peach and passionfruit, balanced by a candied citrus sweetness.
- The Texture: This beer is intentionally “pillowy.” The use of oats and wheat in the grist creates a soft, creamy mouthfeel that carries the high ABV with surprising elegance.
A Decorated Pedigree
Fresh Hop Double Crush isn’t just a fan favorite; it’s a critical darling. It has a habit of clearing shelf space for new hardware. Most recently, the 2025 vintage took home the Silver Medal at the Best of Craft Beer Awards in the “Fresh Hop Imperial IPA” category.
Fresh Hop Double Crush builds on a legacy that includes multiple Gold medals at the Washington Beer Awards, confirming its status as one of the best fresh hop double IPAs in the country.
How to Experience the 2025 Fresh Hop Double Crush Vintage
Because this beer is brewed with “wet” hops, the aromatic profile is incredibly delicate. To get the full experience:
- Check the Date: Drink this as close to the canning date as possible. Fresh hop oils degrade much faster than kilned hop pellets.
- The Glassware: Pour it into a Tulip or Teku glass. The tapered top traps those volatile fresh-hop aromas, allowing you to catch the scent of the Yakima Valley harvest with every sip.
- The Pairing: The sweetness and body of Double Crush make it a great companion for spicy Thai cuisine or a classic Ballard burger with caramelized onions.
Where to Find It
You can find the 2025 Fresh Hop Double Crush on draft at all three Reuben’s Brews locations (Ballard, Ship Canal, and Downtown) and in limited 4-packs of 16oz cans at specialty bottle shops across the PNW.
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
