Mybeerbuzz .com Highlights Hop Valley Sh*tkicker Collaboration (Review)

Over the course of sixteen years of managing this website and fourteen years of producing a craft beer radio show, I thought I had tried all of the interesting beer ingredients out there. I’ve tasted roasted goat brains courtesy of Dock Street, Scrapple courtesy of Dogfish Head and even Rocky Mountain Oysters courtesy of Wynkoop, but today’s beer profile is unique.

I’m talking about Hop Valley Brewing in Oregon and their new Sh*tkicker hazy pale ale… and fasten your seatbelts, the beer was designed to taste like a cowboy boot. The beer is a collaboration with Drew’s Boots, but before you panic, the notes of leather come from a hop variety and not actual leather or cowboy boots. Sh*tkicker was brewed with Citra cryo and Eclipse hops as well as 2-row oat and buckwheat malts. The leather comes from a finishing hop called Elixir and that also helps the beer reach a hoppy 20 IBU.

This description from Hop Valley:

“We’re proud to partner with our buddies over at Drew’s Boots. We’ve been business partners for over a decade- supplying our brewers and production floor employees with their quality footwear. Last year after a couple Citrus Mistresses on the patio, we began to dream about a collaboration brew. We talked about what sort of craft beer cowboys would drink – something with a little hop kick but still refreshing. Drew’s Boots proposed a name as a loving ode to the cowboy boot- Sh*tkicker, and the beer was brewed! The Rodeo-inspired can features a Hop Valley lasso shield, boot stitching, a belt buckle silver shine, and is branded with the Drew’s Boots logo.” -Megan McKenna, Director of Marketing Hop Valley Brewing

“With a new beer comes new boots! We designed and developed a custom Hop Valley western boot and kept an old school look to resemble a true Sh*t Kicker but with some Hop Valley flare: green leather and the Hop shield stitched on the upper, pull straps and embossed on the leather soles. It’s been a privilege and joy working with Hop Valley on this collab project and we look forward to watching it prosper!” – Kyle Baker, “Chief Boot Officer”, owner of Drew’s Boots

Of course I can’t wait to try the beer, so off we go…  

Hop Valley Brewing Sh*tkicker Hazy Pale Ale

ABV:  5.5%
IBU: 20
Style: Hazy Pale Ale
Packaging:  16oz Cans
Appearance:  Bright golden orange
Aroma:  Citrus, and earthy
Mouthfeel:  Light
Taste:   Citrus, soft malt and earthy hops
Overall:  Hop Valley Sh*tkicker really has a lot going on. The beer has some really drinkable citrus and earthy hop flavors followed by a soft malt mix that I think really works. The leather aromas and flavors come from Elixir hops, and I’d call it subtle but definitely present in the beer and hard to miss when you’re sipping. Overall this beer has a great balance of flavors that isn’t changed by the Elixir hops and I think the goal to impart leather flavors and aromas was successful without affecting the beer in a negative way. In my opinion, t’s a really good hazy pale ale that just happens to have the presence of leather.

Hop Valley Brewing Sh*tkicker is available now on tap and in 16oz cans at select location in Oregon so get out there and try it for yourself. And when you do try it, be sure to let us know what YOU think.  zzubreebym