Our “hand-selected hops” refers to a very hands-on process that took place last year in Yakima, Washington, one of the world’s most important hop-growing regions.
It involves sitting down with multiple lots of the same hop variety and literally rubbing and smelling each one to assess its character. Each lot comes from a different farm or field, so even within the same variety, the differences can be significant. The goal is simple: to choose the lot that best fits what we are trying to achieve in our beers.
From a brewing perspective, this process is incredibly important. It allows us to secure hops that are not only high quality but also consistent for the entire year. That consistency means we can define our recipes more clearly and deliver the same flavour profile batch after batch.
From the drinker’s point of view, it builds trust. Whether it is a Core Range beer or a limited release, you know what to expect in terms of hop character and overall quality.
With these specific lots of Citra and Mosaic, the selection process focused on refining and identifying the best expression of each hop. The first step is always elimination, removing any lots that have characteristics that do not suit the beer. From there, it becomes about finding intensity, clarity and brightness in the flavours you do want.
For Mosaic, we selected a lot that delivers a blend of juicy mango and lime, supported by a pungent, dank cannabis note. The Citra we chose has a rich, sweet fruit character, reminiscent of Juicy Fruit chewing gum, layered with bright citrus notes and a subtle hint of gasoline.
When selecting hops, it is important to consider how they will perform across different beer styles. During selection, there were several Mosaic lots that stood out. Some were more juicy, others more dank and resinous. While a very pungent lot could work well in a West Coast IPA, it might not translate as well into a Hazy IPA. In the end, we selected hops that would work across both styles. Both the Citra and Mosaic we chose are versatile and expressive enough to shine in a range of hoppy beers.
One of the biggest differences with hand-selected hops compared to standard spot-market hops is certainty. When buying on the open market, you are often getting different lots from different farms, harvested at different times. This can have a big impact on flavour.
Take Mosaic as an example. An early harvest can taste very different to a late harvest. In some cases, the difference is so pronounced that they can feel like entirely different hop varieties. By selecting specific lots ourselves, we remove that variability and ensure we are always working with hops we truly believe in.
In many ways, these beers represent a step forward for us. Not because they are radically different, but because we know exactly how good these hops are, and we know we will be using them throughout the year. That gives us confidence that every beer brewed with them will meet a high standard, without compromise.
These beers are also a great learning opportunity, both for us and for the drinker. Each beer is brewed in our house style for Hazy and West Coast IPA, but uses a single hop variety. This allows us to clearly understand and showcase what each selected lot brings to the beer.
By isolating the hops in this way, we can better understand their character and use that knowledge to refine future recipes. It is a process of constant learning and improvement, and these beers are a small but important part of that journey.
All About Citra
Hazy IPA, 7%, Citra (hand-selected)
Pours a beautiful hazy yellow with a soft, consistent glow and a perfectly smooth carbonation. Hop notes are rich and sweet, bursting with juicy fruit character, layered with bright citrus and a subtle sharpness in the background. A lush, rounded mouthfeel and a clean, grapefruit forward finish.
All About Mosaic
West Coast IPA, 7%, Mosaic (hand-selected)
Pours bright and clear with a light golden hue and a lively, refreshing carbonation. The aroma opens sweet and lime-led, with juicy mango underneath and a pungent, dank herbal edge. Light and easy at first sip, before the flavours burst open with ripe tropical fruit, zesty lime, and a resinous cannabis-like note that carries into a clean, vibrant finish.
