If you remember my review of the candy orange/passionfruit-forward HBC 438 “Ron Mexico” from a few months ago, I mentioned it should be available for purchase after the fall harvest season. Good news: according to its grower, HBC 438 should now be widely available!
News of the recent home brew exclusive testing of experimental hop variety HBC 438 has been creating a buzz throughout the home brew community since its release announcement at the 2015 National Homebrewers’ Conference. We are happy to report that these highly anticipated hops are now hitting the shelves at home brew stores throughout the United States.
Source: Experimental Hop Released – YCH HOPS
HBC 438 is great in any hop-forward ale and should be strong enough to stand on its own or can be mixed with other citrusy/tropical hops to add some amazing depth. You should be able to find HBC 438 wherever Hop Union/HBC hops are sold, but if you cannot find it locally the hops are available at the following online retailers: