www.montereycountynow.com JULY 2-8, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 39 CHILL A brewing revolution is underway. Yet before shouting “the hop kiefs are coming,” or “give me thiol powders or give me Coors Light,” just know that this is not a complete break from tradition. Familiar forms of hopping beer remain in place. But recent innovations have changed attitudes toward hop extracts by transforming the industrial extracts geared toward mass production into versatile craft products that, according to Jeffrey Vitalich of Hidden Hills Brewing & Blending, “turbocharges the aroma when using specialized yeast that can unlock other flavor components.” By matching these to hops in leaf or pellet form, brewers have more tools to play with. Yes, further scientific explanation might be due. But the expression of this in the glass says all we really need to know. The Nimbus Nectar Tropical IPA from Hidden Hills greets you with pronounced and inviting aromas of papaya, mango and citrus, even before lifting the glass. The combination of Waimea and Riwaka hops from New Zealand also develop a rich character that tempers the crisp, fruity bite. So on the palate, the fruits burst and then subside. A resinous sting develops—fresh and bitter pine with a tamped earth foundation and muggy aura. The finish lingers, but as it does the green needles dry out and fall to the forest floor, leaving the palate primed for another blast of bright fruit. Revolutionary, without the war. Hidden Hills Brewing & Blending, 3777 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 250-7311, hiddenhillscarmel.com. Hop On A Tropical IPA at Hidden Hills proves the worth of innovative new brewing techniques. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES hatchcarmel.com 3658 The Barnyard, D-11, Carmel / 831-330-2332 Open Saturday 9am-10pm & Sunday 9am-8pm Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-9pm / Friday 11:30am-10pm HAPPY HOUR DOG FRIENDLY PATIO BRUNCH / / TRY OUR NEW Tapas Happy Hour & Mid-Week Specials 4:30 - 6:00pm daily #Tapas! A Happy Hour Beyond Compare. Adjacent to the Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa | 700 Munras Avenue, Monterey Reservations Recommended | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com DELIGHTFULLY ALFRESCO ’25 Voted Best Appetizers/Small Plates ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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