The art and science of breeding hops

If you wanted to point at just one thing that can be credited with igniting the renewed interest in beer that has given rise to the more than 400 craft breweries that now operate in Australia, and the many thousands around the world, it is hops.

While beer drinkers and brewers have learned a great deal about hops in beer and the hop varieties that create flavour in their favourite beers, many aren’t aware of the long and complex breeding process that culminates in the creation of varieties such as Galaxy, Enigma, Ella and Vic Secret.

Earlier this year Brews News’ Matt Kirkegaard headed down to Hop Products Australia’s Bushy Park Estate in Tasmania to chat with hop breeder Dr Simon Whittock and learn about the process of developing the hops that have changed the face of beer…