The Institute of Brewing and Distilling’s annual British Hop Competition dates back to 1944 and is judged by a panel of Master Brewers who draw on their personal experience as Head Brewers to judge the quality of the hops.  One hundred and sixty one samples from the 2013 harvest were submitted to the competition.

The overall champion was a sample of the hop variety Admiral, grown by Frank Tipples of Harts Heath in Kent.  The award was presented by Simon Jackson, Chief Executive of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

Simon Jackson said: “The enormous interest in the years hop competition, with over 30% more entries than last year, reflects the growing interest and demand for British hops.  The standard of entries was very high and the judges had their work cut out to choose a winner.  The wining sample of Admiral was grown in Kent and was chosen because it beautifully demonstrated the powerful orange and citrus aroma that is so typical of this variety.”

“Britain’s brewers are increasingly rediscovering the virtues of British hops and several are now brewing beers with single hop varieties. These brews vividly demonstrate the vast array of complex flavours that hops contribute to the nation’s favourite drink.  Beer can taste of tangerine, grapefruit, chocolate, blackcurrant, spice, pepper, apricot, marmalade or even mint. These flavours are all achieved by using different varieties of hop.”