It would be impossible to dedicate an issue of MASHED! Magazine to British grown homebrew ingredients without including our friends at Brook House Hops. 

Based in hoppy Herefordshire, Brook House Hops (BHH) grow seriously superb UK hops for the commercial craft brewing industry. 

Brook House Hops also source excellent quality hops from the USA and New Zealand. These are the guys we at Dark Farm Hops call on when we need an external supply for our Hop Club!

BHH are on a mission to improve the reputation of UK hops. Their goal is to prove to breweries just how good British hops can be, and are working enthusiastically to make this happen.

One of the reasons why British hops haven’t been strong contenders in the hop game comes down to the handling of the hops. Few hop farms have used cold storage facilities, and their hops were delivered in bales or pockets - rather than airtight packs.

The ambient storage temperature and extended exposure to the air meant that, over time, the hops would oxidise giving them that off-putting ‘cheesy’ aroma associated with stale hops.

But this is where Brook House Hops are changing the game! Whilst still embracing traditional growing methods, BHH are investing heavily in the latest tech to produce outstanding hops that are anything but cheesy.

One of these methods uses temperature controlled pelletising equipment. By keeping the temperature in check they can prevent the hops from caramelising, ensuring that the hops maintain their flavour and aroma. The hop pellets are then nitrogen flushed, vacuum sealed and kept at a nicely chilled 0-5°C. 

Having recently partnered up with a neighbouring hop farm, Brook House Hops are now able to grow and process 200 acres of hops each year. Though they won’t be growing to full capacity this year, due to the knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic. With the forced closure of pubs and restaurants, the reduced or ceased output from breweries means an obvious decrease in demand for hops. 

The situation is a terrible blow to so many, and on so many levels, but there is some comfort to be gained when putting your ear to the ground for communal discussion. “The community spirit is definitely alive” says Sebastian Nielsen, Sales Manager at Brook House Hops.

But we do need more than positive talk. According to research by SIBA, 65% of breweries have stopped production completely. We as consumers need to play our part and think twice about where we are spending our precious pounds. It’s especially important for us to support independent producers at times like these. 

So, if you’re buying beer while your latest batch of homebrew ferments, be sure to source it from one of the incredible indy breweries out there!