Page 15 - Thirst Magazine Issue 2 June 2017

ALL

ABOUT

HOPS

A TRULY GREAT BEER STARTS WITH ONE CRUCIAL CONCEPT: ALWAYS USE THE BEST INGREDIENTS

POSSIBLE. ONE OF THE INGREDIENTS THAT HAS A HUGE INFLUENCE ON HOW A BEER TASTES IS HOPS.

BY KD HUGGINS

ost beer drinkers have heard the course of a day) that is native to Europe,
of hops, and know that it can Asia, and the North American continent.
be found in some of the most These plants produce small cones that closely
popular beers available today, resemble the shape of pine cones. It is the oils
Mbut beyond that, the average beer and resins located at the base of these cones
drinker may not understand the significance that are used for brewing beer, and for other
this humble little plant has when it comes to commercial purposes. The leaves of the hops
their favorite brew. bine are similar in appearance to grape leaves.
WHAT ARE “HOPS?” The texture of the cones has been described
as “paper-like.” Because the hops bine can
Hops come from a climbing bine (not to grow in height to over 20 feet, they require
be confused with vines, “bines” climb their some type of vertical support as they grow, to
supports in a clock-wise fashion, following ensure that adequate air circulation can reach
the progression of the sunlight throughout the cones.

15

FEATURE_AllAboutHops.indd 15 28/5/2017 11:09:54 PM