Hopping Into Science: Wicked Barley Brewing Brings All-Florida Hops Beer to Jax

On Wednesday, May 3, at 4pm, Wicked Barley Brewing Company taps its "Throat Ripper Pale Ale." Ok, you might ask, don't breweries tap new beers and pilot batches frequently? What makes this beer unique and worthy of a headline, though, is that it is tapping into scientific and historical significance in the craft beer industry, and particularly in the State of Florida. It will be the first time a beer brewed with 100% Florida-grown hops flows in the Jacksonville area. 

First of Its Kind Collaboration: Florida-Grown Hops to Your Glass from First Magnitude Brewing and Florida Hops Consortium

Photo by Linda Johnson, 4/23/2017

[Ed. Note and Update, 4/23/2017:  I am thrilled to drink the historic Apopka Hop Pale Ale, the focus of this story. Made with six hops, the beer is floral, with citrus and earthy notes. It's a smooth-drinking tasty brew. According to First Magnitude, the in-house release on April 6, featuring the beer in bottles and on draft, sold out within a couple of hours.] ....

Whether or not you realize it when you drink that beer, beer and science just go together. On April 6, First Magnitude Brewing Company (Gainesville) will release a limited batch of a true original pale ale. The beer is not only a product of First Magnitude's skilled brewers led by John Denny, but it's also a testament to advances in scientific research. When the brewery releases its "Apopka Hop Pale Ale," the public will get a taste of the first beer brewed exclusively with 100% Florida-grown hops.