Hey there, brewer.
Whether you’re whipping up small batches in your garage or brewing on a commercial system, chances are you’ve worked with hops a time or two. And while you’re probably familiar with the magic they add to a pint—aroma, bitterness, flavor—what you might not know is how they get from our fields in the Yakima Valley to your fermenter.
At Hops Direct, we’ve been growing hops for five generations. It’s in our blood, under our fingernails, and etched into every acre of our family farm. Today, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to grow, pick, and pack the hops you love.
So grab a beer, sit back, and let’s talk hops.
🌱 It All Starts in the Field
Our hop journey kicks off in early spring, when the snow melts and the first little shoots start poking through the soil. Those bines (yep—bines with a "b," not vines) grow up trellises, climbing 18–20 feet tall over the summer.
Each variety has its own quirks—some grow fast and wild, others are a little more stubborn. But with decades of farming know-how and a whole lot of dirt under our boots, we guide them along, making sure they get the water, nutrients, and sunshine they need to thrive.
Come mid-summer, the fields are a wall of green, buzzing with bees and humming with the energy of hops getting ready to shine.
🌼 When the Cones Are Just Right
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting hops. Too early, and they’re grassy. Too late, and you lose those precious oils that give your beer its character.
We check the cones daily—crushing them between our fingers to feel for the perfect moisture, sniffing for peak aroma, and testing for oil content. It’s part science, part gut instinct, and a whole lot of experience.
When they’re ready, we don’t waste a second. It’s go-time.
🚜 The Pick: Organized Chaos in the Best Way
Harvest season is a frenzy. Our fields come alive with tractors, trucks, and crews working in unison to cut down the towering bines and get them to the picker. Picture this: massive machines pulling hops through a gauntlet of belts, hooks, and blowers to separate the cones from the leaves and stems.
It’s fast, efficient, and just a little bit chaotic—kind of like brewing on a big brew day.
From there, the hops move to the kiln. We dry them down low and slow, watching moisture levels carefully. Too much heat and you risk damaging those delicate oils. Too little and the hops won’t store properly. It’s a balancing act we’ve perfected over the years.
📦 Packed With Care (and a Little Farmer Pride)
Once they’re dried, the hops are cooled, baled, and moved into cold storage. But for brewers like you, that’s just the beginning.
We pelletize, package, and vacuum seal hops right here on the farm to lock in freshness. No middlemen, no warehouses, no unnecessary time sitting around collecting dust. When you order from Hops Direct, you’re getting hops shipped straight from the source.
Need whole leaf? We’ve got you. Want pellets? No problem. Looking for something special like Hop Hash? We do that too (more on that in a future blog).
🌎 Why Direct-From-the-Farm Matters
Buying direct isn’t just about cutting out the middleman—it’s about getting fresher, more consistent hops with a story behind them. We farm with care because this isn’t just a business—it’s our family legacy. And we love knowing that a little piece of our land ends up in every bottle, can, or keg you brew.
Plus, when you order from us, you’re talking to real people who know hops inside and out—not just reading product descriptions online. Have a question? We’re always happy to help.
🍻 Brew With Confidence
So next time you open a bag of hops from us—whether it’s a punchy Centennial, a smooth Cascade, or a citrusy Citra®—know that it was grown with intention, harvested at peak quality, and packed by folks who genuinely care about your brew.
Because at the end of the day, we’re not just growing hops. We’re helping you craft something special. Something worth sharing.
Thanks for trusting us to be part of your brewing journey. We can’t wait to see (and sip) what you come up with next.
Cheers,
The Puterbaugh Family
Fifth-Generation Hop Growers | Yakima Valley, WA
