Hop harvest season is almost upon us, so head to the Garden of England this autumn for some of the best beery celebrations in the country.
Kent has grown hops since the 16th century, with around 50% of the UK’s total crop still coming from the county – and brewers and beer lovers are encouraged to pay homage to the county’s favourite export each year.
Don’t miss the chance to taste this year’s batch of Shepherd Neame’s Green Hop Ale (4.2% abv), brewed by the Faversham-based brewery every year for the Kent Green Hop Beer Fortnight at the end of September.
Instead of the usual dried hops, the beer uses fresh, or ‘green’ Kentish hops within 12 hours of being picked. Freshly picked green hops impart a distinctly different character, creating a beer with a truly unique flavour and aroma.
Green Hop Ale is among the limited edition ales on offer from No.18 Yard Brewhouse, a collection of beers originally developed in Shepherd Neame’s pilot brewery.
Head brewer Richard Frost said: “One of the things that makes working for Shepherd Neame so special, is brewing beer in the heart of hop country. We will be bittering the beer with our signature hop East Kent Goldings, and for the late hop addition, we’ll go down to the National Hop Collection on the day of the brew and collect whichever variety looks as though it’s in the best condition.”
GREEN HOP EVENTS
Shepherd Neame’s Green Hop Ale will be on sale at the Canterbury Food and Drink Festival, which is hosting the official launch of the Kent Green Hop Beer Fortnight on Friday, September 25.
The Canterbury Food and Drink Festival runs from September 25 to 27, and will feature nearly all the Kent green hop beers available, along with foods from around the world. The beers will also feature at Broadstairs Food and Drink Festival and West Kent Green Hop Beer Festival at The Poacher & Partridge in Tonbridge, both from October 2 to 4.
As part of the green hop celebrations, five breweries in east Kent have arranged to open their doors to the public on October 10 for tours, music, food and plenty of Kent green hop beers. A special bus service will be available to transport visitors from brewery to brewery.
Wave a final farewell to the hop season by heading to the Spa Valley Railway for the 5th Annual CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival & Autumn Diesel Gala from October 23 to 25.
More than 90 ales, 25 ciders and some seriously splendid trains will be laid on for all to enjoy, so visitors ride the rails through the Kentish countryside while sampling some choice beverages on the way. The main festival takes place at Tunbridge Wells West station, with ales available at Groombridge & Eridge Stations, and on board the special evening real ale trains.
Shepherd Neame’s Green Hop Ale will be available on draught in Shepherd Neame pubs and freehouses around Kent until mid-October.
