BRIGHT, VIC — A seasonal pilgrimage to Victoria’s premier hop-growing region has given rise to one of the most exclusive brews of the year: the Fresh Hop Heist Hoppy Pils. Born of a collaboration between Brisbane’s Felons Brewing Co and the alpine-based Bright Brewery, the limited-release beer showcases the rare and fleeting flavor of fresh hops, harvested and brewed within days.
The partnership between the two breweries was rooted in both proximity and passion. Bright Brewery, nestled in the heart of Australia’s largest hop-growing region, initiated the collaboration during the annual hop harvest, an event that draws brewers from across the country. For Felons, the opportunity to create a fresh hop beer alongside a local expert was irresistible.
“Bright Brewers are arguably the go-to brewers for experience with fresh hops,” said Lincoln Gibbs, Head Brewer at Felons. “When they reached out with the idea, we couldn’t pass up the chance to visit the region and brew some liquid gold.”
Bright Brewery’s Head Brewer, Lewis Kerr, described the project as a rare opportunity. “Working with fresh hops doesn’t come around often, so when Felons got the call, they jumped at it – hard,” he said.
Fresh Hops, Fresh Challenges
Unlike pelletized hops, fresh hops present unique brewing challenges due to their moisture content and volatile nature. Brewers must adapt to changing harvest conditions, uncertain alpha acid levels, and differences in green mass — all of which affect aroma, flavor, and brewing logistics.
“Fresh hops behave quite differently,” explained Kerr. “You’re working with a living agricultural product, and the largest variable is the oil content. You don’t know the alpha acid content until you’re well into the process.”
Felons dispatched a five-person team, including Gibbs, Gareth Cooper, and Jared Palu, to visit the hop fields managed by Hop Products Australia (HPA). There, they sampled hops directly from the bine and worked closely with Bright Brewery to develop the beer’s profile.
“It was a truly eye-opening experience,” said Gibbs. “The aromatic qualities of a fresh hop are so vibrant, it’s no wonder brewers want to capture them — but that’s where the challenge lies.”
A Delicate Take on a Bold Ingredient
Rather than following the typical fresh hop route of brewing a hop-heavy IPA, the team chose a more nuanced approach. The resulting beer — Fresh Hop Heist Hoppy Pils — draws from Felons’ popular Crisp Lager, offering a clean, sessionable pilsner base infused with the distinctive character of Ella and Eclipse hops.
“We wanted to create something clean and subtle that highlights the unique qualities of these hops,” said Kerr. “It’s a biscuit-like pilsner with hints of mandarin, spice, and florals, supported by German lager yeast.”
The result is a beer with a rich golden hue, soft malt body, and a balanced aroma of citrus and herbaceous notes — an elegant tribute to the season and the source.
From Field to Tap in Record Time
Speed is essential in fresh hop brewing, and the Fresh Hop Heist Hoppy Pils reached taps within weeks of harvest. The beer is currently available as a tap-only release at Felons Brewing Co. and Felons Barrel Hall in Brisbane, as well as at Bright Brewery.
Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with Gibbs reporting enthusiastic reception from patrons. For Bright Brewery, the release also serves as a fitting conclusion to the hectic summer and harvest period.
“This time of year is really special in Bright,” said Kerr. “It’s a moment to slow down and enjoy the fruits of the season — quite literally, in this case.”
While no plans for a repeat collaboration have been confirmed, both breweries expressed interest in future projects. As Kerr noted, “Next year we’ll brew more fresh hop beers with some special guests — where that takes us is anyone’s guess.”
For now, Fresh Hop Heist Hoppy Pils remains a fleeting gem — a product of timing, terroir, and teamwork — and a reminder that some beers are best enjoyed in the moment.
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