Hops

It was that time of year again, down to the hop farms to see how the crops have faired, order next years hops, and try some new varieties.

 We were down at Stocks farm near Worcester, which grows apples as well as hops.

There were apparently 400 people here this year, many new faces and new breweries again.





Many of the hop varieties seem to have been OK, but some seem to have suffered with the weather.














There is a new English hop variety, Jester, which makes a tasty beer.  These seedlings will hopefully have enough of a crop next year for us to get some.







We had a quick look at the stripping machinery, which looks to be older than me.










There is a board near the packing sheds which has the hop productions for this farm going back 50 years.

The evening was spent at the Talbot at Knightwick, having a nice relaxing evening of sunshine, beer and great food.

The following day after the most amazing breakfast, we hot-footed it back to Rammy with 20kgs of freshly picked hops for a new brew of Green Manalishi.

Friday I managed to get the solar panel finished and connected just in time for the black clouds, rain, and complete lack of sun!