Mutant hop cone head gives birth to Asian mouse chili pepper. Seasonal beer implant recipient.

September 7, 3:22 PMBeer ExaminerCharlie Papazian

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Beer Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Lupulin gland gone wild turns out to be cone head
spawned mouse chili pepper.

Investigators remain baffled as to how a super potent  Asian mouse chili pepper  could emerge from a harvest ready hop cone?   The Cascade hops under investigation are normally reserved for late or dry hopping  America-style pale or India pale ales. There is weekend speculation the super mutant hop cone head chili may help amend the world wide hop shortage.  A recent article reprinted in the American Homebrewers Association’s Zymurgy magazine references Aztec  brewed “beer” with corn, agave extract, chocolate, honey and chili peppers. Further research could conclude that a regressive Aztec genetics may have infiltrated the hop DNA helix causing it to impact hop evolution.

            Normally hops harvested during August and September are prized for the oils and resins encapsulated in their  lupulin glands, contributing to floral, spicy and fruity character to craft brewed lagers and ales. 

 “When I first discovered the appendage, I thought it was a gland gone wild,” noted grower and homebrewer Selrahc Naizapap. Commercial hop growers were not contacted and thus offered no comment on this unique and never before reported super phenomena.

            Selrahc wasn’t saying much about his plans for using the cone-head chili, but beer pundits should note that he had filed for a government grant to research the genetic compatibility between the mutant hop cone head chili and barley wine ale.   Federal investigators bugged Naizapap’s telephone line and leaked a conversation to this Beer Examiner, “This could be off the Scovill scale,” he was recorded saying to a fellow hothead brewers.

            Chili laced barley wine ale?   I’m game. Sounds like a great winter warmer for the upcoming holiday beer season.