The Book on Easy Jack: Hoofing It in Hallertau
Brynildson was so inspired by his travels that he penned a small pictorial book documenting the Hallertau hop scene’s distinctive blend of traditional culture and cutting-edge cultivation. A digital version of the book can be viewed here: www.firestonebeer.com/brewery/hops-of-easy-jack.php
By the end of the trip, Brynildson had visited numerous hop farms, all of them small multigenerational family operations run by fathers and sons. “I was overwhelmed by their hospitality,” he said. “Here’s this American craft brewer walking onto their land, and I wasn’t sure how receptive they’d be. But they genuinely wanted to bounce ideas around, and there was this profound sense that we’re all in this together, trying to get the most out of these up-and-coming hop varieties.”
So now Easy Jack is back, and better than ever. “We were making collaborative decisions that incrementally improved hops and ultimately the beer,” Brynildson said.
