Brewer Q & A (Issue 19)

95 Rating - NoDa Brewing Co. - Hop, Drop 'N Roll

Responses from NoDa head brewer, Chad Henderson.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe? 
Chad: Our Co-Owner and Co-Founder, Todd Ford, came up with the original home recipe for Hop Drop 'N Roll.  There have been small changes after initial brewing to adjust to the production system, but the general concept of the beer has remained the same since its homebrew days.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
Chad: My favorite aspect of the beer is the overall hop presentation of the Citra and Amarillo combo. It doesn't overwhelm with straight hop character, but uses a sturdy malt base to allow the hops to have something to stand on -- instead of the beer just being pure hop juice.

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
Chad: In the world of IPAs there's no shortage of hop puns, so why not add to the pile?  

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
Chad: I don't have a definitive desert island beer, but Hop Drop 'N Roll is definitely in the top five choices.

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Chad: Aggressive yet balanced American IPA full of character and awesomeness

BC: Do you know a story -- or have a personal story -- that revolves around this beer?
Chad: My favorite personal story with Hop Drop 'N Roll was when we won the World Beer Cup Gold for American IPA with it. The award made us the first brewery from North Carolina, the Southeast region, and the East Coast to win the category at the World Beer Cup. I think the award helped fortify people's awareness of the NC beer scene. I had no expectations for Hop Drop to win the category and had only hoped for a bronze. When the gold was announced, I was completely blown away. What made it extra sweet was the fact that it was the day after my 30th birthday!