Talking all about hops and hop history as well as chatting with brewers, growers and suppliers to the brewing industry.
How do you improve efficiency without sacrificing creativity? đťIn our latest episode of Spreading Hoppiness, we sit down with Matty Gilliland from New Belgium Brewing Company and Craig Thomas from Abstrax Hops. Together, they discuss Abstrax's suite of hop, fruit and cannabis products, and how they are helping brewers improve consistency, increase efficiency and unlock new opportunities for recipe development.From reducing hop losses and streamlining production to exploring something new on the horizon. Learn how New Belgium Brewing Company are using Abstrax, what tips they would recommend and how you can push the boundaries in your next brew!
No question's a stupid question , that's this week's theme on the Spreading Hoppiness podcast!
We've gathered four of our supplier partners to share their latest updates. From innovations in brewing to the checks that could save you time, money and future headaches, we discuss the questions you should be asking and the answers you need to know.
And that's not all...
For this month's Five Minutes with Faram, Paddie heads to South East England to chat with Tom from Delphic Brewing Co. He shares all the details about his best and worst brew days, what you should be adding in the hop back, and the one thing you definitely don't want to find in your mash tun!
Don't forget to follow the channel for more hoppy updates!
Let's here some stories from the hop yards.
Recorded at the Craft Brewers Conference in the USA, Faram's Paul Corbett sits down with our North American hop grower friends to chat about their farms, families, shining varieties, and growing conditions behind influential hops.
Our regular Five Minutes with Faram focuses on Hugo from Renegade Brewery in the UK. Faram's Jon gets Hugo's take on his brewing methods, what he would like drinkers to know about beer, what makes a good brewer, and some of the most memorable experiences he's had in the brewery.
Ever wondered how the same Hop Development Variety performs across different beer styles?
In this episode of Spreading Hoppiness, weâre bringing you our 3â˘2â˘1 Cross-Style Brewing Showcase from BeerX to answer that very question! Featuring three great brewers - Pip from Ampersand, Mike from Mason's and Dan from Copper Beech.
Three brewers.
Two beer styles each.
One single hop variety per brewer and one podcast!
Together, they explored how one experimental hop can express itself in different ways depending on style, process, and creative intent.
Weâre back for season 3! Have you missed us?
This week we are kicking things off with a cracker of an episode! đď¸đą
We have Flo Vialan our new Market Development Manager with 25 years of brewing experience, taking on Will Rogers, quizzing him about biochar, soil health and the future of hop growing, giving you that brewers perspective! From ancient Amazonian 'black earth' to modern lab technology, they explore how sustainability, smarter water use and advanced hop analysis could shape the next generation of British hops and the beers brewed with them.
We also head to Rude Giant Beer in Salisbury for our Five Minute segment, chatting with Henry about award-winning lagers, community pubs and whatâs next for the brewery.
Season 3 starts here!
Harvest is over so letâs recap on the 2025 growing season, as we hear from 3 hop growers and our own Technical Director Will Rogers
Will sits down with growers Chris, Matt and James to chat through a season that was⌠well, fuggley in more ways than one. From heatwaves to climate battles, the growers tell all on what it really takes to grow top quality hops throughout these challenging conditions.
They discuss top-notch farm innovations from brand new kilns, irrigation system potential and new hops being planted!
Plus, on this weekâs Five Minutes with Faram, we meet Casey from Girls Who Grain Beer, whose mission is to highlight the work that women do in agriculture across the world!
Itâs back to school this week on Spreading Hoppiness!
Join Faram's Paddie as he heads to Nottingham University to catch up with the Murphy & Son technical team, in their brand-new technical lab! From the latest equipment developments and new products, to rescuing your infected yeast, this facility opens up a world of possibilities and beer testing abilities.
Join Steph, James and Sara as they uncover the secrets behind mastering shelf life, flavour stability while maximising yield and how to save your brew with science!
Plus, local brewer Dan Lawson from Copper Beech shares his journey from breaking his leg to becoming a brewing legend.
Making your beers pop!
In this episode, the brewing experts from our Brewery Resource Roadshow jump into practical tips and fresh perspectives. Join us as Murphy & Son share how to extend the life of your brews, Crisp Malt reveals their guide to achieving the perfect boiling wort, and Fermentis talks lager with expert advice on how to make your beers pop.
The conversation keeps flowing as Faramâs Bartek takes us on a brewing tour across Europe! From PRIMĂTOR Brewery in Prague to the legendary Budvar Brewery, Bartek sits down to uncover their brewing journeys, favourite hops, and, of course, their passion for beer!
We're back with Spreading Hoppiness, and this week Faram Jon heads over to Oakham Ales and gets technical with head brewer Ed! From the kit they use to maximise hop flavour, to how CitraÂŽ became a game-changer in the brewery, as well as Ed's beer career!
Meanwhile Paddie heads north to Scotland to meet Ali from West Brewery in Glasgow. This German themed brewhouse is strict in following the Reinheitsgebot, they talk about the challenges and opportunities with creates in this week Five Minutes with Faram.
This episode is packed with brewery insights!
It's Spreading Hoppiness time!
In this episode we have another catch up chat with our brewery supplier friends to see what's new in the world of malt, yeast and brewing aids. From perfecting your malt bill to dialling in yeast precision, we cover practical tips, sustainability ideas, supplier support updates, and ways to boost efficiency and cut costs.
That's not all, Maddie sits down with Libby from Goff's Brewery in the Cotswolds, home of the popular beers Cotswold Gold and Jouster.
Libby shares her favourite food and beer pairings, reveals her slightly secretive past, and talks about her deep appreciation for the brewing community.
Available on all major platforms
Step inside one of the world's most iconic breweries - Budvar!
In this episode of Spreading Hoppiness, our own Will Rogers travels to the Czech Republic to meet Adam BroĹž, the tenth legendary Brewmaster in Budvar's extensive history. Together, they share the traditions and techniques behind Budvar's authentic beers, from 300-meter-deep wells providing the perfect water, to the extended lagering process and why the use of whole-cone hops still remains supreme.
Tune in for this masterclass in tradition, technique, and taste.
And that is not all, this episode also features our latest Five Minutes with Faram, Paddie sits down with Matt Clarke and Alex Rutledge from Lakes Brew Co., as they chat and joke, and discuss their mind-blowing West Coast IPA, which hops they love and HOW they use them, plus something to do with a meat raffle!
It's all to explore on this week's episode of Spreading Hoppiness.
International Hop Growers, the importance of working together & the tighty whities tale
Get ready to set off across the world on this week's episode of Spreading Hoppiness! We are bringing you ear to ear with 5 international hop growers from Slovenia, New Zealand, North America and the UK.
Learn about their backgrounds, their expertise and flavour breakthroughs with some great stories along the way. Discover how AmarilloÂŽ was found by accident, why NZ Hops is changing the brewing game and why growing hops is both a science and a family affair
This juicy episode is not to be missed, but it doesn't end there... Maddie catches up with head brewer Ed Sharman from Oakham Ales, to talk about hops, beers and his favourite Italian dish.
Find out all in this week's episode.
Hop Heats Continues...
On this week's episode, our sensory session is bound to get your taste buds tingling! Join Charles Faram for the latest chapter in our experimental hop journey, with Buxton Brewery. We have brought together a panel of experts and 150 brewers to taste, explore and critique 4 BRAND new hop varieties that have never been brewed with before!
Brewing trials provide the vital feedback we need to secure the future of new British hops. Same base beer.... same brewery... but very different hops... which will be victorious? Stay tuned to find out.
And the episode doesn't stop there, join Maddie as she heads to Bakers Dozen to chat with brewers Dean and Jill
What do Bombay mix, detectives, and jeans all have in common? Youâre about to find out⌠Plus, hear how theyâre gearing up to celebrate their 12th-year anniversary!
Keep up to date with all our hoppy news on the link below: https://linktr.ee/CharlesFaram
Welcome back to Spreading Hoppiness, The Charles Faram Podcast, where we explore all things hops and brewing. In this latest episode, Hops & High-Tech Innovations hosts Maddie & Paddie chat with Craig Thomas (Abstrax Hops) and Julian Shrago (Beachwood Brewing) and, they learn how Abstrax is shaping the future of brewing.
Julian shares his journey from aerospace engineer to brewmaster, while Craig breaks down how Abstraxâs groundbreaking products are helping breweries boost efficiency, enhance flavour, and increase beer yields. Learn about the secret to mastering the difficult flavour of watermelon, and the impact Quantum Brite will have on your brews, and how this is the next step in brewing innovation.
Later, Billy Ericksson (Brewing Brothers) joins Maddie to talk about his brewing journey, favourite beers, and how the brewery is expanding while staying connected to its roots.
What do witches, world records, a day dedicated to celebrating beer, and hop root foraging have in common?
More than you realise, but for today itâs Jane Peyton! This month, we sit down with extraordinary storyteller and beer aficionado Jane to uncover the âspellbindingâ truth behind the classic Disney witch image, Janeâs adventures picking hops and foraging for rare hop shoots, the history of women in brewing, and the incredible moment she shattered a world record for the largest beer tasting event!
Plus, we raise a glass to Beer Day Britain, now celebrating its 10th anniversary. And, of course, we get a sneak peek at whatâs brewing next in her adventures. This is an episode you wonât want to miss
Check out the rest of our hoppy news on our socials, link below:
https://linktr.ee/CharlesFaram
We're back for 2025, and we have a brilliant line up of hoppy topics, technical talks and brewing techniques!
This week we hear from hop grower Jim Barrett as he gives us the low down on the 2024 harvest, what methods he's been using to create award winning hops and how he's reducing the use of chemical pesticides. Could this be the future of hop growing?
But that's not allâwe catch up with Welsh brewer Rhys Pillai from Beer Riff. Learn how he went from punk rocker to brewer as he takes us through his journey, the lessons heâs learned, and the new products he's excited to brew with!
On this week's episode, Growers and Brewers talk relationships, but not the romantic kind... from crying on a tractor to why it's helpful for brewers to get to know their hop growers.
We have a huge selection of guests, including the team from Wye Valley Brewery, Ant from Ledbury Real Ales, and two of our illustrious hop growers, Tom Probert and Simon Parker, with plenty more mentions along the way!
Plus, catch up with Faram's Maddie as she chats with Head Brewer Alice, from Batham's Brewery, they talk favourite hops, best beer suggestions and some must-visit pubs!
This is the final episode of Spreading Hoppiness 2024 and not to be missed...
Keep up to date with our hoppy news, by following our socials, link below:
https://linktr.ee/CharlesFaram
Ever wondered about the science behind hop breeding or weather proofing the future? Well on this week's episode find out in a way we'll all understand, as Mark Dredge catches up with Klara Hajdu, Hop Breeder and expert at Wye Hops. From the Noah's ark of hops, to the magic of creating aroma, let her guide you through hop breeding as she brings her PhD research to life.
But thatâs not all! Tune in for a great chat between Faramâs Paddie and Brewer Chris Gooch from Teme Valley Brewery. Learn about how Chris went from farming to brewing, and why he won't choose favourites...
Catch up with the rest of our hoppy news on our socials, link below:
https://linktr.ee/CharlesFaram
Get ready for malt to take the spotlight on this weekâs episode of Spreading Hoppiness. We welcome malt expert Axel Jany from WeyermannÂŽ Specialty Malts, all the way from Germany. He sits down with our own brewing expert Faram's Jon and Beer Writer Mark Dredge to chat about the world of malt and its impact on your beer.
From the heritage of favourite varieties such as Isaria 1924 to developments in CARAREDÂŽ and CARAHELLÂŽ, they cover it all, exploring flavour, colour, and taste along the way. With Jon revealing what unique tweaks you need to make to take your beer to the next level.
But thatâs not all! Join Paddie for an exclusive interview with Bewdley Brewer Tanisha, from creating can artwork to find inspiration from her cat, Tanisha brings creativity to every part of the brewing process.
Check out of the rest of hoppy news on our socials, link below: https://linktr.ee/CharlesFaram
Itâs time for green-hopped beers! Join brewing experts Ben Adams and Chris Gooch from Teme Valley Brewery as they reveal the secrets behind using green hops in your brews. They discuss all things technical, from timing to quantity and flavour. Packed with expert tips, tricks, and stories, this episode will inspire your next brewing adventure.
But thatâs not all! Join Paddie as he chats with the team at Goose Eye Brewery. Hear their stories from past, present, and learn what they believe makes a great beer.
If you like what you see, why not check out our YouTube channel for more hoppy news? Link below:
https://youtube.com/@charlesfaramfilms?si=KCeoDf5oNJ02abzO
Join us as we explore the world of British hops with three of the industry's most seasoned farmers, Herefordshire-based Tom Probert, Worcestershireâs Richard Capper, and Molly & Bob Biddell from Surrey.
In this episode, they share captivating tales of hop picking, discussing whatâs changed over the years and what remains timeless in the craft. From the impact of mechanisation and disease management to the adoption of regenerative practices, our guests really do cover it allârevealing some great stories along the way!
But that's not all! Stick around as Paddie chats to experienced brewer Ben from Gloucestershire-based Stroud Brewery as he shares his tips, tricks and what is next for him in the industry.
Want to find out more?
Why not check out the full Five Minutes with Faram Chat on our YouTube, link below:
https://youtu.be/lpZuO51Dc3c?si=M2T8gc0p_2QREvxu
This week, you join us on the farmâhop grower Tom Probert's farm, to be precise!
Hop yards are full of wildlife, some we like, and some we don't! Grower Tom Probert and our own Will Rogers put hop agronomist Jonathan Blackman to the test as they go through what is essential to hop growing and what you need to avoid.
This episode explores the clever ways farmers are controlling pests, keeping soil nutrients high, and keeping costs low. And let's not forget about the hidden heroes of the hop yards, tune in to find out what they are and where they are hiding.
But the episode doesn't end there! We're back with another "Five Minutes with Faram." This week, join Maddie as she chats with head brewer Andy Leman from the brilliant Timothy Taylorâs brewery. Andy shares his passion for brewing, the story behind the iconic Landlord pale ale, and his best tips and tricks for producing high-quality beer time and time again!
Check the full Five Minutes with Faram video on the link below:
https://youtu.be/2JrOrHBEIsk?si=UzL9feOXPiSs7eMS
Brewing experts Rhys Pillai, Brian Dickson and Jim Rangeley unlock the mysteries that make New Zealand hops the way they are. Hosted by flavour nerd Mark Dredge with growing insights from our own Will Rogers. This episode is bursting with brewer experiences from hop farm to brew. You'll come away able to smash any pub quiz with questions about triploids and biosecurity.
Paddie then heads over to see Don Burke at Hawkstone Brewery for the Five Minutes with Faram chat, including his favourite beers, tips, his brewing journey, interests and discoveries. Tune in and be inspired!
Best of both! In this episode, we're joined by Ant Stevens co-owner of Ledbury Real Ales WHO IS ALSO, Head of Innovation - in his other job.
Ant knows a massive amount about carbon issues because over the last two years, he's been building a carbon credit marketplace that is allowing people who are capturing carbon dioxide, or greenhouse gases, to then transact those with companies that want to buy them, to be able to offset their footprint.
Discover practical tips and tricks that will make a meaningful impact on your brewery and check out a fascinating glimpse into the future of sustainable brewing.
But that is not all, join Maddie as she chats with Joseph Holt's brewer Phil Parkinson as they discuss hops, beer, and brewing in this week's 5 Minutes with Faram.
Get ready for a flavour-packed adventure in this week's episode of Spreading Hoppiness! Join Mark Dredge and Jon Stringer as they dive into the world of taste, exploring everything from fruit to hops â and even cannabis (without the CBD & THC). Is this the groundbreaking product your brewery has been waiting for?
But that's not all â Paddie puts Hook Norton Brewer Andy to the test with this week's "5 Minutes with Faram," as they discuss everything from drumming to cask washing to recipe development.
Don't miss this thrilling episode! Tune in today!
This week's episode is brought to you from New Zealand! Will Rogers, the group technical director, catches up with New Zealand Hop master Dr. Ron Beatson as they discuss all things New Zealand Hops and uncover the secrets, stories, and sensational flavours behind these varieties.
But wait, there's more! Join Maddie as she chats with Berkshire-based brewer Ben in this week's 5 Minutes with Faram.
We're back with another hop-filled episode. Join us as we sit down with hop grower Peter Glendinning, hop breeder Klara Hajdu, and Technical Director Will Rogers as they discuss hop development. Together, they unravel the history of hop growing, explore the future, and delve into everything in between.
But that's not it! Join Paddie as he catches up with Worcestershire-based brewer Johnny while they talk through this week's 5 Minutes with Faram.
Have you ever missed out on the UK's premier beer and brewing trade show? Wondering what draws enthusiasts and professionals alike to this grand event? Dive into this episode where we connect with leading brewing suppliers across the UK, exploring their journey to this monumental trade gathering. But wait, there's more! Join us as we engage in our signature '5 Minutes with Faram' session, featuring a captivating conversation with brewer Alex from Loose Cannon Brewery. Don't miss this exciting glimpse into the heart of the brewing industry!
Join us at BeerX for our interactive tasting session. Let's dive into new flavours and some brand-new experimental hops. Our Charles Faram hop experts Paul Corbett and Will Rogers, alongside Buxton Brewery's Production Director Rob Topham and Beer Writer Mark Dredge, will explore our hop development process and provide insight into the future of British hops and how they shape our beer. This episode also features a 5 Minutes with Faram chat with a Reading based brewer.
So, join us on this week's flavourful podcast and check out the full presentation on the link below:
https://charlesfaram.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/BeerX-2024-panel-session.pdf
To keep up to date with all hoppy news follow our socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlesFaram/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesfaram/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlesFaram
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJV8I1mfhaBxJHUCrdRnjHQ
In this week's episode, we're exploring the fascinating world of hop pellet processing. From the fields to the facilities, join us as we uncover the journey these green cones take before they end up in your favourite brews. Also hearing from Cirencester based brewer Lucy as she talks us through her favourite hops, beers and everything in between.
To keep up to date with all hoppy news follow our socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlesFaram/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesfaram/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlesFaram
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJV8I1mfhaBxJHUCrdRnjHQ
From one hop to another, letâs explore the minds of head brewers as they talk hop varieties. This episode of âSpreading Hoppinessâ unpicks the thoughts of head brewers as they take us through each round of the International Hop Awards, and give us their much-valued opinions. Also, within this episode we check in with Salisbury based brewery, Rude Giant.
To keep up to date with all hoppy news follow our socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlesFaram/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesfaram/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlesFaram
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJV8I1mfhaBxJHUCrdRnjHQ
From the frosty fields of January to the bustling harvests of September, this episode of 'Spreading Hoppiness' unpacks the nuances of hop growing, offering valuable insights for brewers. Featuring award-winning beer writer Mark Dredge, Charles Faramâs Group Technical Director Will Rogers, and 5th generation hop farmer and chairman of the Charles Faram Farms, Richie Phillips. This conversation is full of anecdotes, tall tales, tips, and a dash of humour. Here's to spreading hoppiness one brew at a time.
To keep up to date with all hoppy news follow our socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlesFaram/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesfaram/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlesFaram
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJV8I1mfhaBxJHUCrdRnjHQ
Henry Kirk from Dark Star Brewery answers the Five Minutes with Faram's questions with our Jon Stringer. He talks about Azacca, Rodenbach, Fat Cat in Norwich, Hopguns as a game-changer, his obsession with biodigesters, how he got into brewing, Brewers' Christmas, beer/wine hybrids and French Fuggles.
https://www.darkstarbrewing.co.uk/beers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat_and_trapÂ
http://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/
Graham Gamache talks to Faram's MD Paul Corbett about his farm in Toppenish WA and hop varieties including the peculiarities of Cashmere.Â
They talk about the cool Dodge D4's that were bought in 1974 from the US Forces and the trusty handmade wooden picking machine from the 50's. A lot of history and a lot of info.
http://www.cornerstoneranches.com
https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/
Charles Faram MD Paul Corbett chats about hops over in New Zealand with George Tunstall from NZ Hops Ltd and Brent McGlashen of Mac Hops. They talk about environmentally friendly initiatives, staffing and shipping issues, machinery, opportunities, successes and the importance of contracting.
https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/ #hops #nzhopsÂ
Charles Faram's Andrew Whalley talks with Kevin Le Tiec from Brasserie Brittanys about his favourite beers and beery experiences.
https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/
https://brasseriebrittanys.bzh/
The sixth BRR segment focuses on our supplier Fermentis. Dr Gino Baart talks about new product launches, his homebrewing during lockdown, influences of new styles and webinars.
https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/
https://fermentis.com/en/Â
https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/dry-yeast-webinars-from-fermentis-and-charles-faram/
In this episode, Darren Batten from Palmer's Brewery tells us about his favourite hops, beers, pubs, interests and new things happening at the brewery.
https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/news/darrenbatten
https://palmersbrewery.com/
The fifth BRR segment focuses on our supplierWeyermannÂŽ. Axel Jany talks about Brexit, the business through lockdown, base malts and smoked malts.
https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/
https://www.weyermann.de/in/
WeyermannÂŽ English Playlist on youtube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBCG7tDP8IHXNqb9RSCgRGw_AlT92qJJB
The Sixth BRR segment focuses on our supplier Iain Kenny at Murphy & Son. Iain talks about the latest happenings at Murphy's and what they've been up to in the lab.
.
https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/
https://www.murphyandson.co.uk/
In this episode, Jon Stringer talks to the guys behind Spartan Brewery about their favourite hops, beers, pubs, festivals, pork scratchings and what's next for the brewery.
We have also included our 'Just add water' feature where the guys discuss their favourite recipe.
As we can't meet up in person for our day of seminars and pub visits, we've brought updates to you online. The third BRR segment focuses on our supplier LemonTop creative. Andy Mogg talks about branding, e-commerce and social media. https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/ https://www.lemontopcreative.com/
The start of the grower's year. Paul Corbett chats with grower, Richie Phillips, about the stringing process. Warning, contains wind noise.
https://youtu.be/9F1CXJqeVBA
As we can't meet up in person for our day of seminars and pub visits, we've brought updates to you online.  This second segment focuses on our supplier partner  Crisp Malt.  Nigel Gibbons talks about new products and changes. https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/ https://crispmalt.com/
This is the Podcast adaptation of our newsletter feature which delves into the life of a different brewer each month. In this episode, Simon Yates tells us about his favourite hops, beers, pubs, music and anecdotes.
https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/news/simonyates5mins
https://www.bankssbeer.co.uk/
As we can't meet up in person for our day of seminars and pub visits, we've brought updates to you online. This is the first segment and it focuses on our supplier partner Rankin. Jim Rankin talks about local produce, Brexit, sustainability, the #RaiseAglass initiative and a secret scheme to be launched in May
https://www.rankincork.co.uk/
https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/
Paul Corbett chats to Darren Gamache of Amarillo fame. Includes the discovery of Amarillo, a lab in his great grandmotherâs basement and state preference for our UK customers  https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/ https://vgfinc.com/ Â
Starting off our 2021 series of Podcasts and videos on all sorts of topics from the team members, to recipes, hop talk, chats with the growers, chats with brewers and technical advice. This first episode provides an interesting insight into how Faram's has changed over the 30 years with some funny stories that allow you to see inside our MD's mind.
https://www.charlesfaram.co.uk/video-and-podcast-2021-series/