Yellow Dog Brewing Play Dead Fresh Hop IPA: Brewed with fresh Mosaic hops from Yakima, WA this IPA comes in at a strength of 6.8% abv with 75 IBUs. I can honestly say, after having at least a few of these, that this is one of the best fresh hop beers I have ever had. They knocked it out of the park with this one, it’s in my top 3 all time favourite fresh hop beers, no question!
Aroma and Appearance: It pours a clear copper colour with one finger of foam and an average level of carbonation. The aroma starts off with bread and toffee, quickly being overtaken by a blast of peaches, nectarines and raspberry fruitiness; the simple but very intense aroma can be detected a few feet away from a freshly opened can.
Flavour: Right up front, loads and loads of peaches hit your palate over and over again with some nectarine tartness and hop oil sneaking in there on occasion. Once the hop blast slows down, a nice and rich chewy and doughy bread malt takes over while it gives off wisps of lemon citrus and lemon leaves. Finally, a huge peach skin and pine resinous finish approaches, leaving hints of grapefruit and peach pit on the aftertaste. The whole thing is a bit of a roller coaster, but designed in a very palate pleasing way.
Overall Impression: As previously mentioned, this beer was so good and that I easily consider it to be one of the best fresh hop beers ever made.
Rating: I give it an awesome rating of 9/10, whereas Deschutes Chasin’ Freshies brought out the best in fresh Mosaic hops last year, Yellow Dog takes that crown this year.
Food Pairing: Just enjoy this one as is or pair it with some lightly flavoured local cheese.
You know a beer is excellent, when you grab a 64oz growler and pretty much finish the whole thing in one night. If you don’t follow me on Instagram, please take this opportunity to do so and I’ll gladly follow back!
West Coast Beer Geek 
Considering how many you have sampled and also putting it against american releases also this is huge praise. To bad I missed it.
It was incredible mike
There is always next year.
loved it
For me it was a close second to this year’s Driftwood Sartori
Always a popular one, this year’s was pretty nice.
Hmmmm that makes me less sad I missed it then. I didn’t really think Sartori was all that interesting this year.