I know there is a shortage of hops in the beer industry, but I was surprised that a Sierra Nevada brew crew traveled to New Zealand to get fresh hops to make their Southern Hemisphere Harvest Fresh Hop Ale.

In the United States and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere fresh hops are not available until the fall. But in New Zealand, the hop harvest is in the spring. So as the Sierra Nevada crew explains on their Web site, the fresh hops -- Pacific Hallertau, New Zealand Motueka and New Zealand Southern Cross -- were dried right after being picked then shipped immediately to Chico, Calif., for brewing. The idea is capture the peak aromatics and flavors of the hops.

I had a bottle the other night, and man am I glad the hops made the trip. This beer, at 6.7 ABV is absolutely delicious.

Some of Sierra's beers are so hopped up they are "chewy." But this American pale ale smooth, well rounded and gorgeous.

A great gift for dad. Or better yet, a gift dad could give himself.

I bought one at $5.49 for a 24-ounce bottle at the Wine Source. Joe Falcone at Wells Discont Liqours told me he is selling it for $4 a bottle.  That  is bit "dear" as the Irish say, But hey, dad is worth it. (The Maryland distributor is F. P. Winner) 

Anybody else had this beauty?

Is is worth the money?