Tim MATTHEWS - Oskar Blues - Colorado USA in contact with Alsatian hop farmers

During his recent Alsatian tour, in addition to visits to several hop growers, Tim MATTHEWS (Head of Brewing Operations at the Oskar Blues brewing Company) participated in a roundtable discussion with Alsatian hop farmers.

Oskar Blues was established in Longmont, Colorado in 1999 but expansion really took off as of 2008, growing from 30,000 hl (22,565 barrels) to 230,000 hl (195,999 barrels) in 2014. What makes Oskar Blues so special is that it is only available in aluminium cans and of course, barrels. Oskar Blues became famous with its Dales Pale Ale, and gradually developed its range to include other beers such as “Mama’s Little Yella Pils”, which for the second year has adopted the Alsatian Aramis hops in addition to the Czech Saaz.

Oskar Blues has recently expanded its operations with the construction of a large 2nd brewery in the East Coast, located in North Carolina. Along with New Belgium and Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues is now one of the only craft brewers boasting several production sites. Oskar Blues is also considering setting up a 3rd brewery in either Texas or Florida!

The purpose of this meeting was to develop ties between hop farmers and Oskar Blues, and a motivating tangible vision of market opportunities benefiting both parties.

During the meeting, Tim MATTHEWS:

• Presented the Brewery, its development and the range of beers it offers.
• Justified his selection of the fine aroma hop ARAMIS used in YELLA Pils that gives what he considers as its UNIQUE aroma and exceptionally bitter quality. The key to success for most US breweries lies in their choice of hops and in their way of drawing out the best of its aromas. And here Tim and Oskar Blues are true masters of this art.  They have found in Alsace a way of standing apart from competitors.
• Explained which qualities he was looking for in hops, a genuine food product, what he considers as the unequalled STAR a brewer can offer. Food safety is essential. This is why Tim has chosen Alsace, where there are strict French regulations and where professional hops farming practices have been quality oriented for decades.

The participants took part in the discussion over a YELLA Pils, enjoyed as always, with moderation.

A WUCHNER, B INGWILLER (Head of growers), F HEITZ et T MATTHEWS enjoying a Yella Pils

Planters listening carefully

T MATTHEWS presents his brewery

F Heitz interpreter for planters