Tap Handle #521: BridgePort - Hop Harvest Ale (Big Brew Series)

October 06, 2015

Tap Handle #521: BridgePort - Hop Harvest Ale (Big Brew Series)

Tap size: 12.25"
Rarity:Very Rare
Mounting: internal 3/8" nut

This is probably the coolest BridgePort tap out there. It is composed of 3 parts: the arm is divided into two segments that screw together, and the small mug of beer that has a sign in it is glued to the hand. The base of the tap is made to look like a rolled-up sleeve. On the "sleeve" is a decal featuring the BridgePort symbol and name, with the words "Established in 1984", and "Oregon's Oldest Craft Brewery". The decal appears on both the front and back of the base, as does the tattoo "Big Brew" on the arm. The Big Brew series consists of 4 varieties, any of which can appear on the sign at the top of the tap. Since each of the Big Brews are only made for a limited time each year, the production of this tap is also limited, and as a result it is very rare - and very expensive.

For more about BridgePort, see this post.

Click through to read more about BridgePort's Hop Harvest Ale, and to see more photos of this larger than life tap...

BridgePort uses a simple process to give this seasonal, limited-release beer the freshest hop flavor. First, the beer is brewed, then at the end of fermentation and immediately after the hops are delivered, the freshly fermented beer is poured straight over the green Crystal hops, capturing that fresh, local flavor. This “triple hopped” ale is a bottle conditioned Imperial Style Ale. The fresh green Chinook Hops add floral overtones reminiscent of citrus.