OT: Aaaah, what a lovely smell

[Bill in Oregon]

Just packed a couple of freezer bags with hops from the dehydrator. I've got three big clumps of Cascade hops on my garden fences and this year, the cones were especially fragrant and abundant. Now to find a RELIABLE recipe for five gallons of good, bitter ale. Remember when big cans of Blue Ribbon malt could be found in every little grocery store?

[gamekeeper]

I can't help with the recipe but I sure would like to help with the drinking.

[Mike D.]

Yeah, I sure do, Bill. A local brewery, Sierra Nevada, has a several acre plot of Cascade hops. Reminds me of the "old days", when hops were commonplace around here. All are gone now, and have been for 30 yrs. I miss the smell of drying hops in the late summer and early fall.

Do you ever pick up any nice arrowpoints around the area? I have made a few trips up your way over the years for the purpose of artifact hunting. Good luck in your brewing efforts.

[Hobie]

Hops used to be THE crop in my grandfather's area of upstate NY. Can't remember the last time I've seen any other than in photos.

[Bill in Oregon]

Hops were an important crop here, too, but began disappearing after World War II. Here's a peek at my guys:

[Duff L Bagg]

Growing up in the Treasure Valley of Idaho hops were grown everywhere along with mint and alfalfa. The three mingled together make for a scent that the nose never forgets.