OnTap Magazine

32 | Autumn 2025 | ontapmag.co.za FEATURE GOING GREEN: NICK SMITH THE MAGIC FRESHNESS OF WET HOPPED BEERS W et-hopped beers are probably the most seasonally exciting and one of the most elusive gems in the beer world. They are a completely unique style of beer, with distinct flavours and brewing methods. These beers are brewed with hops added within 24 hours of picking off the bine (yes, bine—not vine), creating a unique drinking experience that’s impossible to replicate any other time of year. Unlike the standard practice of drying hops after harvest for long termstorage, wet hopping skips the drying step, preserving the most delicate aromas that are lost in the drying process. Think of it as bottling the essence of harvest—notes of lime zest, freshly cut grass, and the lush character of a fresh hop field. These flavours are fleeting, but for those determined enough to brew or seek them out, they’re unforgettable. Brewing with wet hops is equal parts art and logistical challenge. Timing is everything—hops are typically picked within a narrow three-to-five-day window when the hops are at their absolute peak, and wet hop beers need to be brewed with 24 hours of picking. One of the first decisions is selecting your beer style and accompanying recipe. Wet hops bring a very distinct profile to the table, less of the bright fruitiness associated with modern hoppy beers and more of a “green” complexity, such as lime, fresh grass, and even a hint of dankness, reminiscent of cannabis. This unique character shines in some styles more than others. At Soul Barrel, we tend to prefer using wet hops in crisp hop forward styles like old school pale ales and IPAs, especially in the West Coast style. The green, resinous character plays beautifully with classic “C” hops like Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, and Columbus, amplifying their citrusy, piney notes. Bigger beers like Double IPAs are also good partners, especially when paired with a bold, brisk bitterness. Softer, more delicate hazy IPAs can also work, but you’ll want to balance the hop flavours so the green wet hop character still shines through to provide a counterpoint and balance to the overtly tropical and fruity notes. For something more adventurous, consider farmhouse ales, Saisons, or even a crisp country Lager. The secret is balance: think of wet hops as a vibrant new colour on your flavour palette, one that must harmonize with the beer’s base. PLANNING A WET HOPPED BREW DAY