New bitter hop set for tasting

The new hop in growth in Kent, England

SIBA to assess new English variety

British brewers’ reliance on imported bittering hops could be about to come to an end, thanks to the development of a new English variety.

The as-yet unnamed dwarf variety is the first to come out of the National Hop Association’s (NHA) breeding programme and is set for a debut tasting by members of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) later this week.

“Currently many bitter hops are imported, particularly by the larger breweries,” said programme director Peter Darby.

“A domestic alternative will appeal to brewers who are interested in the provenance of their ingredients, as well as reducing their food miles. So we’re keen to get an early response from SIBA members.”

In recent years Germany and the US, accounting for two-thirds of global hop cultivation, have cornered the bittering hop market. The two countries and China, the world’s third largest hop-grower, account for 85% of alpha acid production

The development of a viable English bittering variety could transform the country’s hop market, currently focused on aroma hops. Being a dwarf variety, the new hop is hardier and requires fewer pesticides than traditional varieties.

The first test of the new English hop’s worth will be on Thursday, when SIBA delegates will assess the qualities of the hop at the body’s two-day conference in Stratford-on-Avon.

The NHA’s breeding programme hit the rocks in 2007 when government funding for the project dried up. It was support from the industry - including a cash injection of £10,000 from SIBA – that helped resurrect the programme.

SIBA’s technical director Don Burgess said: “The future of domestic hop farming is a subject close to the hearts of many SIBA brewers, so I’m sure many conference delegates will want to sample the new hop and offer feedback.”