Billy Goat Hop Farm Opens Down at the Hop Yard Campground, Announces Fridays On The Farm
After eight years in business as an award-winning hop farm, Billy Goat Hop Farm is opening its offerings to the public with camping, tours, and beers made with Billy Goat hops.
MONTROSE, CO— After eight years in business as an award-winning hop farm, Billy Goat Hop Farm is opening its offerings to the public with camping, tours, and beers made with Billy Goat hops. Now guests can camp out at this idyllic location overlooking the San Juan Mountains, and catch Fridays On The Farm.
Billy Goat Hop Farm has been hard at work building the Down at the Hop Yard Campground and The Beer Barn.
The private camp sites are nestled among hop bines along the trellis perimeter, each with a 28ft x 15ft parking area and an adjacent 28ft x 15ft area to set up camp. ADA hot showers, flushing toilets, potable water, and a communal fire pit are a short walk away. Guests have the option to book a tour (with optional beer tasting) during their stay to walk the farm and learn more about growing hops.
The Down at the Hop Yard Campground is now available to book via HipCamp.
On Fridays from May 23 through October 3, The Beer Barn will open to campers and the public from 2 to 9pm. There will be beer from around the Southwest made with Billy Goat hops available, as well as the farm’s new hop water and Hop Drool hard seltzer. Fridays On The Farm will include rotating food trucks, yard games, and occasional live music. Children, dogs, and goats are always welcome.
Find ongoing updates about Fridays On The Farm at billygoathopfarm.com/visit.
“Before we even started the business, Chris and I dreamed of selling beer from the farm,” says Co-Owner Audrey Gehlhausen. “Families and friends laughing, dogs running around, cold beer, and surrounded by hops and mountains. We’re lucky to have found the wonderful community of Montrose to make this dream a reality. Not to mention the endless recreation around the Western Slope— work hard, play hard!”
Media inquiring about Billy Goat Hop Farm can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BILLY GOAT HOP FARM
Billy Goat Hop Farm is the largest hop farm in the Southwest, providing superior quality fresh, whole cone, and pelletized hops directly to craft brewers. Starting in 2017, they've grown to 32 acres that produce 9 varieties of craft hops. In 2022, they began sourcing different varieties of whole cone hops from other quality growers, and then processing themselves in order to offer more varieties to their brewers.
Owners and farmers Chris and Audrey pride themselves on creating genuine farmer-brewer relations and bringing true craft into their process. Combining traditional hands-on practices and state-of-the-art technology, they use less water and chemicals which transcends into a healthier ecosystem, soil, and hop plants. Brewers enjoy the bright aroma and subtly unique aroma profile imparted from Colorado's terroir, and the passion poured into every step of the process.
Know your farmer, Love your beer.
The Freshest Beers In The Four Corners: Southwest Fresh Fest at Billy Goat Hop Farm Returns September 21
Southwest Fresh Fest at Billy Goat Hop Farm, Colorado’s marquee celebration of fresh hop beers, returns for the third year on Saturday, September 21 with live music and dancing, local food, yard games, and a farm tour.
MONTROSE, CO— Southwest Fresh Fest at Billy Goat Hop Farm, Colorado’s marquee celebration of fresh hop beers, returns for the third year on Saturday, September 21 with live music and dancing, local food, yard games, and a farm tour. All of the breweries pouring will serve a beer made with fresh hops that will be harvested at Billy Goat in coming weeks.
Southwest Fresh Fest is an afternoon to remember that serves the freshest beers to be found in the Four Corners. Fresh hop beers, sometimes called harvest ales, are brewed with hops that come straight off the bine and go right into the brew— usually within 24 hours. That’s the magic of this fleeting crop, made even more special when you can taste a multitude of beer expressions at the place it was cultivated and harvested.
Brewers pouring beers made with Billy Goat’s craft hops fresh off the bine at Southwest Fresh Fest are Base Camp Beer Works, Breckenridge Brewery, Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewery, Elevation Beer Company, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, Horsefly Brewing Company, Lady Justice Brewing, Milieu Fermentation, Mountain Tap Brewery, Pomona Brewing Company, Shelter Distilling & Brewing, Ska Brewing, Strange Craft Beer Company, and Stronghouse Brew Pub. Participating breweries all serve at least one beer made with Billy Goat fresh hops, and festival-goers will have a chance to vote on their favorite in the Best of Show competition for the traveling hop trophy. For the first time this year, breweries have the option to bring a second seasonal beer— so there’s certain to be something for everyone.
This year’s bands are Liver Down The River, a five piece band of musicians based in Durango promising a lively good time, and Derek Dame Ohl joining from Denver, who has been described as ‘warm butter on hot bread with blustering conduct.’
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day-of; $15 for designated drivers and people under 21; and free for kids under 12. Get tickets to taste the freshest beers made with craft hops at southwestfreshfest.com.
“Harvest is a crazy time of year, and it’s right around the corner,” says Billy Goat Hop Farm Co-Owner Audrey Gehlhausen. “We have a lot of good energy going into this year’s festival thanks to the awesome support from, not only our OG participating brewers, but also folks just opening their doors. And of course, we are grateful for our local community's ongoing love and partnerships.”
The new Rathbone Hotel and Country Lodge will offer discounted lodging for out-of-town guests attending Southwest Fresh Fest. TelluRides will provide free shuttle rides to and from both hotels, the Montrose Recreation Center, and the farm. Find the shuttle schedule at southwestfreshfest.com.
Southwest Fresh Fest is made possible by community sponsors including Pomona Brewing Company, Maxfield - Peterson, P.C., AgWell, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Colorado River District, RadCraft, Northwest Rafting Company, TelluRides, Valley Food Partnership, Alpine Events, and Visit Montrose.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Southwest Fresh Fest or Billy Goat Hop Farm. Download press images here.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST FRESH FEST
Southwest Fresh Fest is the first and only fresh hop beer festival in the Southwest, hosted at Billy Goat Hop Farm in Montrose, CO on September 21st. Attendees and brewers alike can enjoy fresh hop beers from across the region in a rad complimentary taster glass. There will also be a Pickin’ Party with live bluegrass music, local food trucks, farm tours, and games… not to mention the panoramic views from the San Juan Mountains to the Grand Mesa. Come out for the festivities and stay for the recreation, beauty, and good beers abound. Join the fun at Billy Goat Hop Farm and celebrate harvest at Southwest Fresh Fest.
Buy tickets, sign up to pour beer, or sponsor at southwestfreshfest.com.
ABOUT BILLY GOAT HOP FARM
Billy Goat Hop Farm is the largest hop farm in the Southwest, providing superior quality fresh, whole cone, and pelletized hops directly to craft brewers. Starting in 2017, they've grown to 32 acres that produce 9 varieties of amazing hops. They also source additional varieties of whole cone hops from other quality growers, pelletizing them themselves to offer more options to their brewers. The quality of hops they produce has gained nationwide notoriety with two Cascade Cup wins. They were the first farm outside of Washington or Oregon to win this prestigious award from the Hop Quality Group in 2023, and then in 2024 became the first farm ever to win back-to-back years.
Owners and farmers Chris and Audrey pride themselves on creating genuine farmer-brewer relations and bringing true craft into their process. Combining traditional hands-on practices and state-of-the-art technology, they use less water and chemicals which transcends into a healthier ecosystem, soil, and hop plants. Brewers enjoy the bright aroma and subtly unique flavor profile imparted from Colorado's terroir, and the passion poured into every step of the process. Know your farmer, Love your beer.
Learn more at billygoathopfarm.com.
Billy Goat Hop Farm Wins Cascade Cup For Second Consecutive Year
Billy Goat Hop Farm in Montrose is doing things never done before… again. Cascade Cup winners two years in a row!
MONTROSE, CO— In January, Billy Goat Hop Farm was named the first place winner of Hop Quality Group’s 2024 Cascade Cup for the second consecutive year. They are the first farm to ever win the award in back-to-back years.
The Cascade Cup is the ultimate challenge for the best Cascade hops in the country. It’s an annual competition for growers all over the United States to showcase their best Cascade crop that is judged by an expert panel of brewing professionals in the Hop Quality Group who blindly pick a winner based on appearance, aroma, and hop analysis. Cascade was chosen because it is the most widely grown variety and not proprietary, allowing most farmers nationwide to participate.
Last year, Billy Goat Hop Farm entered the Cascade Cup for the first time and won first place, making the farm the first outside of Washington and Oregon to ever win this prestigious award.
“We are surprised, appreciative, and very grateful to win the Cascade Cup again. What an honor and an amazing industry to be a part of,” say Co-Founders Chris DellaBianca and Audrey Gehlhausen. “We share this victory with all of our fellow craft hop farmers across the country. I guess it’s time to start using craft hops in craft beer,” Gehlhausen adds with a smile.
More than 50 breweries across the country have utilized this crop of Billy Goat’s award-winning Cascade hops, with their largest purchasers being Steel Bender Brewyard in Albuquerque, Wren House Brewing in Phoenix, and Tree House Brewing in Massachusetts. Although Billy Goat has already sold out of Cascade for this season, all of their varieties— including Chinook, Comet, Columbus, and Magnum, to name a few — are grown and processed with the same hands-on care, and now available for purchase.
At 32 acres, Billy Goat Hop Farm is able to stay more hands-on in every aspect of farming and processing than the typical 500+ acre farm. Their smaller size also allows them to catch pests and disease early, dramatically decreasing the need for chemical inputs. Using multiple soil health practices, Billy Goat takes pride in creating a vital living ecosystem sustaining its plants, animals, and humans— while also conserving water.
Learn more about Billy Goat Hop Farm and their craft hops at billygoathopfarm.com. Breweries interested in purchasing hops can contact billygoathopfarm@gmail.com and media inquiring about the farm and their recent Cascade Cup win can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BILLY GOAT HOP FARM
Billy Goat Hop Farm is the largest hop farm in the Southwest, providing superior quality fresh, whole cone, and pelletized hops directly to craft brewers. Starting in 2017, they've grown to 32 acres that produce 9 varieties of craft hops. In 2022, they began sourcing different varieties of whole cone hops from other quality growers, and then processing themselves in order to offer more varieties to their brewers.
Owners and farmers Chris and Audrey pride themselves on creating genuine farmer-brewer relations and bringing true craft into their process. Combining traditional hands-on practices and state-of-the-art technology, they use less water and chemicals which transcends into a healthier ecosystem, soil, and hop plants. Brewers enjoy the bright aroma and subtly unique aroma profile imparted from Colorado's terroir, and the passion poured into every step of the process.
Know your farmer, Love your beer.
Southwest Fresh Fest at Billy Goat Hop Farm Returns September 23
Montrose, Colorado’s Second Annual Celebration of Local Hops and Regional Beer to take place on Fall Equinox at Billy Goat Hop Farm.
MONTROSE, CO— Billy Goat Hop Farm is thrilled to bring back Southwest Fresh Fest for the second year. This showcase of all fresh-hopped beers with live music, food trucks, and yard games will take place on the farm on Saturday, September 23rd from 2 to 6pm.
Fresh hop, or wet hop, beers are brewed with hops that come straight off the bine and into the brew— usually within 24 hours— instead of being dried and pelletized. “They're special because they're only available at harvest time and are best imbibed immediately,” say Billy Goat Hop Farm Owners, which makes this festival an extra special celebration of the freshest beers to be found in the Four Corners.
Breweries pouring include Avery Brewing Company, Base Camp Beer Works, Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewery, Elevation Beer Company, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, Grateful Gnome Sandwich Shoppe & Brewery, Horsefly Brewing Company, Mountain Tap Brewery, Primitive Beer, Stronghouse Brew Pub, The Steel Bender Brewyard, Wren House Brewing Company, and Yampa Valley Brewing Company.
Beyond the beer, Southwest Fresh Fest, guests can enjoy local food trucks and live music from the Drew Dvorchak Band and the Still House String Band, tour the hop farm, and get down on yard games. TelluRides will provide free shuttle rides to and from Montrose and the farm.
Ticket prices are as follows: The Full Sha-Bang - $30 in advance and $35 day-of; Designated Driver or Under 21 - $15; Under 12 are free. Tickets are on sale now at southwestfreshfest.com.
The Southwest Fresh Fest is made possible by the local community and sponsors including Colorado River District, Maxfield - Peterson, P.C., AgWell, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, RadCraft, TelluRides, CropwoRx, West of 105, Valley Food Partnership, Visit Montrose, Colorado Grain Chain, and Northwest Rafting Company.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Southwest Fresh Fest or Billy Goat Hop Farm. Download press images here.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST FRESH FEST
Southwest Fresh Fest is the first and only fresh hop beer festival in the Southwest, hosted at Billy Goat Hop Farm in Montrose, CO on September 23rd. Attendees and brewers alike can enjoy fresh hop beers from across the region in a rad complimentary taster glass. There will also be a Pickin’ Party with live bluegrass music, local food trucks, farm tours, and games… not to mention the panoramic views from the San Juan Mountains to the Grand Mesa. Come out for the festivities and stay for the recreation, beauty, and good beers abound. Join the fun at Billy Goat Hop Farm and celebrate harvest at Southwest Fresh Fest.
Buy tickets, sign up to pour beer, or sponsor at southwestfreshfest.com.
ABOUT BILLY GOAT HOP FARM
Billy Goat Hop Farm is the largest hop farm in the Southwest, providing superior quality fresh, whole cone, and pelletized hops directly to craft brewers. Starting in 2017, they've grown to 32 acres that produce 9 varieties of amazing hops. Owners and farmers Chris and Audrey pride themselves on creating genuine farmer-brewer relations and bringing true craft into their process. Combining traditional hands-on practices and state-of-the-art technology, they use less water and chemicals which transcends into a healthier ecosystem, soil, and hop plants. Brewers enjoy the bright aroma and subtly unique flavor profile imparted from Colorado's terroir, and the passion poured into every step of the process. Know your farmer, Love your beer.
Learn more at billygoathopfarm.com.
It’s Time for Brewers to Rethink Colorado Hops: Billy Goat Hop Farm 2022 Cascade Harvest Named Best Cascade Hops In the Country
It’s Time for Brewers to Rethink Colorado Hops.
Audrey Gehlhausen (left) and Chris DellaBianca with the Cascade Cup
MONTROSE, CO— Billy Goat Hop Farm was just named the first place winner of Hop Quality Group’s 2023 Cascade Cup. This year marks the first time Billy Goat has entered the competition, and the first time that a farm outside of Washington and Oregon has won this prestigious award.
The Cascade Cup is the ultimate challenge for the best Cascade hops in the country. This yearly competition allows growers from all over the United States to showcase their best Cascade crops. A panel composed of brewing professionals in the Hop Quality Group blindly picks a winner based on appearance, aroma, and hop analysis. Cascade was chosen because it is the most widely grown variety and not proprietary, allowing most farmers nationwide to participate.
“Cascade hops have long been an important part of craft brewing,” Spokesperson Matt Gallagher from the Hop Quality Group explains. “For the first time in its history the Cascade Cup is leaving the states of Washington and Oregon and heading to the Rocky Mountain State.”
Billy Goat Hop Farm Founders and Co-Owners Chris DellaBianca and Audrey Gehlhausen were surprised and delighted to receive the Cascade Cup. “We were lucky to be able to attend the Hop Convention last year where we learned that a Cascade Cup even existed. So this year we thought, what the heck let’s send a sample in,” says Gehlhausen. “When Chris told me that we won, I thought he was just trying to fool me. Then Vinnie Cilurzo, the co-founder of Russian River Brewery, called to congratulate us. We’ve been flying high ever since.”
Seventeen brewers across the country have utilized Billy Goat’s award-winning Cascade hops, including Steel Bender Brewyard in Albuquerque that has been the largest purchaser of this variety.
At 32 acres, Billy Goat is able to stay more hands-on in every aspect of farming and processing than the typical 500 plus acre farm. Their smaller size also allows them to catch pests and disease early, dramatically decreasing the need for chemical inputs. Using multiple soil health practices, Billy Goat takes pride in creating a vital living ecosystem that sustains not only plants, but animals and humans too— while also conserving water. 2022 marks Billy Goat’s largest harvest yet with all varieties finally reaching maturity. They stay dedicated to producing all of their varieties with the same high quality care.
Learn more about Billy Goat Hop Farm and their Cascade hops at billygoathopfarm.com. Media inquiring about Billy Goat Hop Farm and their recent Cascade Cup win can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT BILLY GOAT HOP FARM
Billy Goat Hop Farm is the largest hop farm in the Southwest, providing superior quality fresh, whole cone, and pelletized hops directly to craft brewers. Starting in 2017, they've grown to 32 acres that produce 9 varieties of amazing hops. In 2022, they began sourcing different varieties of whole cone hops from other quality growers, and then processing themselves in order to offer more varieties to their brewers.
Owners and farmers Chris and Audrey pride themselves on creating genuine farmer-brewer relations and bringing true craft into their process. Combining traditional hands-on practices and state-of-the-art technology, they use less water and chemicals which transcends into a healthier ecosystem, soil, and hop plants. Brewers enjoy the bright aroma and subtly unique aroma profile imparted from Colorado's terroir, and the passion poured into every step of the process.
Know your farmer, Love your beer.
Horsefly Brewing Company Presents First Annual Southwest Fresh Fest at Billy Goat Hop Farm
Horsefly Brewing Co. presents first annual Southwest Fresh Fest and Pickin’ Party located at Billy Goat Hop Farm in Montrose, Colorado on October 1, 2022.
Montrose, Colorado’s First Annual Celebration of Local Hops and Regional Beer is October 1
MONTROSE, CO — Horsefly Brewing Company presents Southwest Fresh Fest and Pickin’ Party hosted at Billy Goat Hop Farm, the first-ever fresh hop beer festival of its kind in Southwest Colorado slated for October 1, 2022 from 2 - 6pm. Southwest Fresh Fest will showcase all fresh-hopped beers made at breweries across the Four Corners region and beyond. Elk Range and Floodgate Operators will perform live bluegrass tunes to a backdrop of the San Juan Mountain Range. Tour the hop farm, enjoy eats from one of the local food trucks on-site and take a crack at some yard games.
“We not only enjoy drinking fresh hop beers, but love the concept of growing hops and having the cones go straight off the bine and into the brew. It reminds me of simpler times, truly connecting farming and harvest to a tangible delicious beer. We just want to share this with everyone!” Audrey Gehlhausen Co-Owner of Billy Goat Hop Farm.
The Southwest Fresh Fest would not be possible without support from sponsors and the local community including Colorado River District, RadCraft, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, AgWell, Telluride Express, Wayfinder Magazine, Maxfield-Peterson, P.C., Montrose Community Foundation, Valley Food Partnership, Northwest Rafting Co., Colorado Grain Chain, and Visit Montrose.
Tickets are on sale now at southwestfreshfest.com. Breweries and inquiring sponsors can contact southwestfreshfest@gmail.com to participate.
Enjoy fresh-hopped beers during the festivities from Base Camp Beer Works, Breckenridge Brewery, Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery, Copper Club Brewing Co., Elevation Beer Co., FlyteCo Brewing, Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, Grandma’s House, Horsefly Brewing Co., Mountain Tap Brewery, Stronghouse Brew Pub, and Outer Range Brewing Co. The complete brewery list will be published in coming weeks.
Contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Southwest Fresh Fest or Billy Goat Hop Farm.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST FRESH FEST
Southwest Fresh Fest presented by Horsefly Brewing Company is the first and only fresh hop beer festival in the Southwest, hosted at Billy Goat Hop Farm in Montrose, CO on October 1st. Attendees and brewers alike can enjoy fresh hop beers from across the region in a rad complimentary taster glass. There will also be a Pickin’ Party with live bluegrass music, local food trucks, farm tours, and games… not to mention the panoramic views from the San Juan Mountains to the Grand Mesa. Come out for the festivities and stay for the recreation, beauty, and good beers abound. Join the fun at Billy Goat Hop Farm and celebrate harvest at Southwest Fresh Fest.
Buy tickets, sign up to pour beer, or sponsor at southwestfreshfest.com.
ABOUT BILLY GOAT HOP FARM
Billy Goat Hop Farm is the largest hop farm in the Southwest, providing superior quality fresh, whole cone, and pelletized hops directly to craft brewers. Starting in 2017, they've grown to 32 acres that produce 9 varieties of amazing hops. Owners and farmers Chris and Audrey pride themselves on creating genuine farmer-brewer relations and bringing true craft into their process. Combining traditional hands-on practices and state-of-the-art technology, they use less water and chemicals which transcends into a healthier ecosystem, soil, and hop plants. Brewers enjoy the bright aroma and subtly unique flavor profile imparted from Colorado's terroir, and the passion poured into every step of the process. Know your farmer, Love your beer.
Learn more at billygoathopfarm.com.
Elevation Beer Co. Presents Fall Seasonals For 2019
Elevation Beer Company will bring back Senorita Horchata Imperial Porter, Peach Acide, and False Summit for the season.
PONCHA SPRINGS, CO— Elevation Beer Company will bring back Señorita Horchata Imperial Porter, Peach Acide, and False Summit for the season beginning this month. Also available this season is Elevation’s fresh hop ale, Downpour.
Award-winning Señorita Horchata Imperial Porter will return in cans mid-October, just in time for Día de los Muertos. This 8.4% ABV Porter carefully balances flavors of chocolate malt, cinnamon spice, and Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla with hop bitterness from Northern Brewer and Chinook hops. Señorita, which won bronze at the World Beer Cup®, the Australian International Beer Awards, and the European Beer Star, will be distributed in Colorado and Utah while supplies last.
One week later, cans of Peach Acide will roll out of the brewery, across Colorado, and in select locations in Utah and Wyoming. The French translation of sour, Acide, is the brewery’s trip into the increasingly popular style of kettle soured beers— including Dry Hopped Acide, Pineapple, Pomegranate, and this popular Peach variety. Peach weighs in at 4.5% ABV and finishes slightly tart with subtle notes of peach fuzz on your nose.
In November, Elevation Beer Company’s famed barrel-aged Belgian-style Quad will return in 750mL bombers to Colorado’s Front Range. Aromas of dark fruit, vanilla, and bourbon seep off False Summit’s milk chocolate head. As the beer warms, notes of caramel, oak and dark Belgian candi sugar come more prevalent. This barrel-aged Dark Belgian Strong Ale, like the final stretch of a mountain’s peak, is complex and rewarding— an experience to be shared with good company. This beauty weighs in at 11.1% ABV with 30 IBUs.
On tap and in tasting room only 6-packs while it lasts through the season is Elevation’s fresh hop ale, Downpour. This fresh, seasonal delight is a session IPA featuring Cashmere hops from Billy Goat Hop Farm in Montrose.
To learn more about these seasonal releases from Elevation Beer Company, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcrafbeer.com.
ABOUT ELEVATION BEER CO.
Proudly operating in the remote mountain town of Poncha Springs, Elevation Beer Co. is more than just a beer company— we are a family, a community, and a collective of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Dedicated to creating sustainable, meaningful careers in rural Colorado, we take the preservation of our home as seriously as we do the quality of our beer. Taste our flagship 8 Second Kolsch and a lineup of other usual suspects and seasonals at our tasting room, and in canned 6-packs and specialty bombers across Colorado, Wyoming, Utah. Go higher at elevationbeerco.com.