I like beer.
In addition, I like knowing how things are made. Just recently, my brew master friend, Adam, introduced me to the fine art of brewing. Since our first batch together in mid-winter, we’ve brewed over 50 gallons of 4 different varieties.
Seeing as I already enjoy growing so many varieties of plants, the obvious next step was for me to grow my own hops.
Last month, we picked up some dormant hops rhizomes. 3 different varieties to be exact: Cascade, Chinook and Mt. Hood. Soon after potting them, their little hops vines popped out and were reaching for anything to hold onto. Our plan was to build a 17 ft. trellis (Hops can grow as high as 20+ feet!). However, for this season we made the last minute decision to run them up some strings and onto our newly built Pergola.
Did you know that the first documented instance of hop cultivation was in 736? Yup, that’s true. Those Germans knew what they were doing. I’m glad to partake in this age old tradition. The more local ingredients I can get for our home brew, the better.
Read more on our brewing adventures: sweetlocalfarm.com/2010/02/11/the-joy-of-home-brew/
