Russian River and Bale Breaker developed a fresh hop craft beer that is both drinkable and irresistible. Wee tried this collaboration at the Bale Breaker brewery in Moxee, WA as our savoring pint after trying six other fresh hop pours in the Wee flight taste test of fresh hop beer. Later, we had a chance to have it again with a follow-up pint at a great tap house in Tacoma called The Living Tap Room.
About the Collaboration
When two titans of the hop world join forces on a collaboration, you know the results are going to be legendary. Released as part of Bale Breaker Brewing’s 10th-anniversary celebration, the Fresh Hop Frenz IPA collaboration with Russian River Brewing Company is a masterclass in West Coast brewing and a tribute to a decade-long friendship.
In the world of craft beer, few names carry as much weight as Russian River. Known for the legendary Pliny the Elder, Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo are often seen as the “wizards” of the West Coast IPA. But long before Bale Breaker was a household name in the Pacific Northwest, the Cilurzos were visiting Loftus Ranches, Bale Breaker’s family hop farm, for their annual hop selection.
To celebrate Bale Breaker’s 10th anniversary, they invited their longtime mentors and friends from Santa Rosa up to Yakima to brew a collaboration that became something truly special: Fresh Hop Frenz.
The “Simcoe” Connection
If there is one hop that defines the identity of both breweries, it’s Simcoe®. It’s a staple in Russian River’s most iconic recipes and a cornerstone of the Bale Breaker lineup. For this collaboration, it was only natural that the star of the show would be freshly harvested Simcoe hops, picked straight from the bines at Loftus Ranches and tossed into the kettle within hours.
Tasting Notes: A Tropical Resinous Punch
This isn’t just another IPA; it’s a 6.9% ABV West Coast powerhouse designed to showcase the “green” aromatics that only fresh hops can provide.
- The Hops: Fresh Simcoe® from Loftus Ranches, supported by Citra® Cryo, and HBC 586.
- The Aroma: An immediate explosion of grapefruit, peach, and mango, followed by that classic, dank resinous pine.
- The Palate: Crisp and clean with a 65 IBU punch that reminds you why the West Coast style became a revolution. The use of flaked rice in the grist keeps the body light, allowing the hop oils to shine without being masked by heavy malts.
Why This Collaboration Matters
The Frenz series has always been about more than just beer; it’s about the community of brewers who help each other grow through collaboration. For Bale Breaker, having Russian River come to Yakima was a full-circle moment. It’s a nod to the 91-year history of the Loftus family farm and the bright future of Washington’s hop country.
“Bale Breaker was still just a dream of ours when we first met Vinnie and Natalie,” says co-owner Meghann Quinn. “Their passion for high-quality hops is a big part of what inspired us to start.”
How to Enjoy It
Because this is a fresh hop beer, time is of the essence. The volatile aromatics of the wet hops are at their peak the moment the can is cracked. Whether you’re a “hophead” who tracks every Russian River release or a fan of the Yakima Valley’s finest, this is a “pour-and-appreciate” beer that celebrates the harvest in its purest form.
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.
