An Uprising Trend: Craft Beer Producers Cultivating Hops
Thanks to the burgeoning craft beer industry in the United States, there’s a new trend on the horizon: beer enthusiasts aren’t just brewing at home, they’re growing their hops, too. It’s a trend that’s seeing hobbyists and commercial brewers alike return to one of the most fundamental ingredients in beer, and it’s revolutionising the way many think about their brew.
The Renaissance of Hop Growing
There was once a time when every small community in the U.S. had a local brewery, each with a hop garden of its own. However, the rise of large-scale industrialization and prohibition in the early 20th century changed the game radically. Hop growing became centralized, with a majority of production focusing in the Pacific Northwest.
But just like the microbrewing movement of the 70s and 80s challenged large-scale production models, the same thing is happening with hop farming. Welcome to the renaissance of hops, and it’s being led by the craft beer revolution.
Advantages of Growing Your Own Hops
While there are plenty of places to purchase hops commercially, growing your brew should not be understated. Here’s why:
1. Control Over Quality
For craft brewers, quality reigns supreme. Just like a chef grows their own herbs or vegetables to command over their flavour profiles, cultivating your hops can give you a high level of control over the quality. From soil type to water quality, you have a significant influence over the overall character of your beer when you can control the entire process, from root to pint.
2. More Incredible Variety
Commercially available hops usually offer a finite selection. But when you’re growing your own, you’ve got a world of options literally at your fingertips. From heirloom varieties to experimental strains, craft home growers and brewers alike can experiment with a wild range of flavors.
3. Cost-Effective
There’s an initial investment of time and resources to establish your hop garden, but once it’s flourishing, you can reap the benefits. You’ll be able to harvest a significant yield, enough to see you through several brewing cycles, making it a cost-effective option for the home brewer.
Challenges of Hop Growing
Growing hops isn’t without its set of challenges. They are a vigorous climbing plant that requires a good deal of horizontal or vertical space to grow. Pests, disease, and the local climate all pose significant threats, as do common agricultural considerations like soil health and watering. Still, with diligent research and persistent gardening, hop growing can be a rewarding addition to the home brewing process.
Novice to Novice: Tips for Cultivating Hops
If you’re ready to take your brewing to the next level by growing your hops, here are a few nuggets of advice:
1. Experiment
Part of the fun of growing your hops is experimenting. Try different varieties, train them in different ways, and see what works best for your beer.
2. Be Patient
Hops require a few years to establish an optimal yield. Often, brewers can expect to harvest only a fraction of the regular crop in the first year. Remember, good things come to those who wait.
3. Stay Connected
Joining local brewing and farming communities can provide invaluable support and advice. Plus, sharing experiences and swapping tips can make your foray into hop growing all the more enjoyable.
Conclusion
For craft beer lovers, making the leap from brewing to hop growing is a natural progression and a worthwhile adventure. By cultivating your plant, you can fine-tune the flavor of your beers and elevate your brewing experience. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get growing!
