Arizona Daily Star: How the Hop Crisis Affects Tucson Brew Pubs and Homebrewers

The Arizona Daily Star, the local Tucson paper, published an article about the hop shortage last Sunday, December, 9, 2007. The Article was entitled, "Major hops shortage affecting price and availability of your favorite beers." Hops, for those who don't know, are in short supply, causing prices to raise up to three to four times the price over last year, and making it difficult to get some hop varieties altogether.

In the article, the Arizona Daily Star talks about how the hop shortage is affecting local breweries and homebrewers. According to the article, one local Tucson brew pub, Gentle Ben's, had to stop brewing certain styles, while another brew pub, Thunder Canyon Brewery, is going to raise prices, especially for hoppy styles. Finally, Brew Your Own Brew, the local homebrew supply store, mentioned that certain hop varieties will not be available at times for homebrewers.

The article was an interesting read. I recommend it for anybody interested in the hop crisis. I especially recommend it for anybody interested in the effects of the crisis on local Tucson breweries.