Still fresh at five

Just a reminder – among this weekend’s busy craft beer schedule, there are a few events of particular interest to fresh-hop fans:

– Today, River City releases its Funkadelicious Fresh Hop, brewed with newly harvested, fruity Amarillo (5.8 percent alcohol by volume, 60 International Bitterness Units).

– Just a few blocks to the west, the Steel Barrel hosts a Fremont Fresh Hop Festival starting at 6 featuring all four of the Seattle brewery’s single-hop offerings – Centennial, Simcoe, Citra and Mosaic – plus the organic Cowiche Canyon blend.

There also will be prize raffles and beers Randalled through fresh homegrown hops; adjoining eatery Zona Blanca is preparing a fresh-hop ceviche.

– And on Saturday, Manito Tap House will pour more than two dozen fresh-hop beers from around the region as part of its fifth anniversary celebration.

You’ll find those five Fremonts, plus local offerings including Funkadelicious, Iron Goat’s Citra/Mosaic, Twelve String’s Mosaic red, Perry Street’s Simcoe and MickDuff’s Wet Hop.

And there will be the likes of Bale Breaker’s Piled High and Citra Slicker, Georgetown’s fresh Johnny Utah and Eddie Haskell, Deschutes’ Hop Trip, Boundary Bay’s Amarillo, Breakside’s Citra Tall Guy, Pelican’s Elemental Santium, Laurelwood’s fresh Free Range, Beer Valley’s fresh Leafer Madness and Crux’s Dr. Jack.

The freshies start flowing at 11 a.m. An anniversary party from 5 to 9 will include trivia contest giveaways, a prize piñata, $1 off pints and free souvenir glasses while supplies last; the bar area will be standing-room only to fit in more folks.