Since their first harvest of hops back in the summer of 2004, the team at the Cowaramup Brewing Company have been working hard to establish and develop their hop garden.
The garden, now boasting nine varieties, will be open to the public for the first time this weekend.
Enthusiastic brewers can take home hop varieties including Cluster, Nugget, Perle, Pride of Ringwood, Tettnanger, Victoria and Willamette for their own experiments.
Head brewer Jeremy Good said hops were as essential to beer as grapes were to winemaking.
“They provide unique qualities and characteristics to the different ales and lagers,” he said.
“Hops not only provide bitterness but also aromatics and flavours; as well as offering different aromatic characteristics such as spicy, fruity, piney, floral or herbal.”
“Hops also have a preservative effect and contribute to the longevity of the beer.”
People wanting to sample some of the impressive range of hops can register for a spot on the public harvest, where Mr Good will be on hand to discuss the different varieties and their unique characteristics.
The brewery will launch Mr Good’s first ever Hope Harvest Ale in April, using the Goldings variety, which will not be available to the public this weekend.
“This will make us the only brewery in Western Australia using our own hops in a Hop Harvest Ale,” he said.
The Cowaramup Brewing Company Public Hop Harvest will begin at 12pm on Sunday February 19. Those taking part will need to wear closed footwear and bring a container, as well as a step ladder if possible.
Places are limited, to register by email to claire@cowaramupbrewing.com.au (re: Hop Harvest) with your name and contact details.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/CowaramupBrewingCompany
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
