Try?
Still, Jopen beers are fairly ubiquitous here in the Peach State, and I think I see the reason why. The importer, VGV imports, is located in Acworth, Georgia, about a 15 minutes ride from my home. As a result, I’ve seen their beers on draft, in 11.2 ounce singles and 750 ML bottles.
From the label:
Brewed in accordance from the original recipe from 1501 discovered in Haarlem town archives as the first beer in the Nederland region known to utilize hops, thusly known as “Hoppenbier”. This hazy straw colored ale calls for oats, wheat and barley malts giving it a light body and a full-flavored finish. The brewery’s name, Jopen [Yo Pen], is the Dutch word for the barrel used r beer during the Middle Ages.
Jopen Hoppenbier has an alcohol content of 6.8% by volume. I paid $2.75 for a single bottle, and I saw it on draft at Taco Mac for an amazing $12 for an 11-ounce glass. That was far too much (a whopping $1.10 an ounce) and I passed on the draft version at the price. I would call it a blonde ale in style.
Jopen Hoppenbier pours to a hazy amber blonde color with a thick creamy head and a soft malt, fruit and herbal hop nose. Taking a sip the beer has a very light chewy caramel character up front followed by light wheat, crisp bready maltiness, then some grassy hop aroma, a hint of herbal hop flavor and a very long and dry bitterness in the finish that grabs hold of your tongue and lingers for some time.
This is a very interesting beer for the historical aspects of course, and although expensive (especially on tap) I would certainly buy it again for its refreshing and vibrant flavor and high drinkability.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler
