YAKIMA, Wash.– The beer community in Eastern Washington might already know it, but it’s a quality stamp of approval for the world’s leading exporter of hops– Yakima, Washington is up for USA Today’s “Best Beer City” list.
Yakima and its surrounding areas are home to plenty of great agriculture–from wheat to apples and smaller farms growing quality produce. However, no agricultural industry supports Yakima’s economy more than hop production.
“It’s so electric. The brewers, the people–the valley just comes alive,” said Wendy King, founder and operator of Little Hopper Tours.
According to John Cooper, the CEO and president of Yakima Valley Travel, the hop industry supports or creates over 50,000 jobs.
All cities on the list, of course, are great beer towns. Some specialize in smaller breweries making fun and experimental beverages; some are integral to what the craft beer scene has become over the past two decades, but none can say they have as much of a part in global beer production than Yakima.
It’s a unique beer culture too– more in-tune with the growing side of the brewing process. It’s upheld by the growers and harvesters who make the export process possible but serves them as well.
Voters have until noon on February 23 to vote for Yakima. You can vote here.
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