Hops and hemp unite as best buds! That’s how New Belgium Brewing is telling it with the release of The Hemperor HPA (Hemp Pale Ale). The Hemperor is brewed with hops and hemp for an extra pungent and earthy herbal character. They call it dank, though I really don’t like that descriptor.

Hemp is a variant of the cannabis plant, though with a much, much lower THC content. That’s the stuff that gets you high in marijuana. It is a very useful plant indeed, and can be used to make rope (probably it’s most famous contribution), paper, clothing, and even food. Hemp production in the United States is highly regulated and limited due to it’s close relation to marijuana (they are both part of the cannabis plant family).

Cannabis, of course, is a relative of another famous plant, Humulus Lupulus, aka the hop. So, they make a natural pair to brew beer. New Belgium is by no means the first to realize this; Frederick Brewing released Hempen Ale in the 90s along the same lines.

New Belgium says:

A certain U.S. Attorney General probably wouldn’t like it. The state of Kansas straight-up banned it. But you asked for it, so we answered the call. Meet The Hemperor HPA. Hops and hemp reign together at last for a brand-new movement in craft beer.

The Hemperor HPA has an alcohol content of 7% by volume. They definitely do not give it away. I paid $8.28 for a 23-ounce mug at Taco Mac (a pint was running $7.50). Total Wine sells it for $14.49 a six-pack. New Belgium is running a campaign to help ease the restrictions on hemp, and you can find out more about that and watch some fascinating videos on the beer’s webpage.

My mug of New Belgium the Hemperor arrived a dark caramel in color with a thick head of creamy white foam and pungent earthy herbal dark grassy notes in the nose. Taking a sip, the beer is lightly skunky tasting, with toasted bread in the body and very grassy, earthy, vegetal herbal floral notes permeating. Dark hoppy and “dank” (I don’t like that descriptor), all ending with a long dry bitter finish.

Who remembers the aforementioned Hempen Ale? New Belgium is trying to claim The Hemperor is something new (it’s not), but it is far more intense than I remember that one. Take Hempen Ale, cube it, and you’ll have The Hemperor.

If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out on something special.

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

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