Waitrose launches unique single hop “Farnham White” beer
A new beer using a vintage hop variety is being brewed exclusively for Waitrose by Hogs Back Brewery.
“Farnham White” is a golden single hop bottled beer brewed by Surrey-based Hogs Back. The beer is made with Farnham White Bine, a traditional hop variety that made the Farnham area affluent in the 17th century, and which has been rescued from near extinction by Hogs Back.
The hops used to brew the 4% “Farnham White” were grown in our own hop garden and carefully harvested by the brewing team on September 17th 2015. Hogs Back is the only brewer in the world using this hop variety, and the result is a single hop beer with unique provenance, offering a fresh, golden colour with earthy, peppery notes and a lasting bitter finish.
“Farnham White” is a refreshing beer to enjoy on its own, as well as an ideal match for a strong, mature cheddar, going perfectly with a Ploughman’s Lunch. It retails in Waitrose at £1.99 for a 500ml bottle.
Our hop garden is planted on 3.5 acres adjacent to our site in Tongham, Surrey. The garden produced its first harvest in September 2015, representing a significant step forward in the brewery’s commitment to sourcing ingredients as locally as possible, and making us the biggest hop producer of any UK brewer.
The hop garden initiative has already won prestigious awards including the British Beer & Pub Association Grain-to-Glass Award 2015, recognising the brewer’s commitment to sustainability and engagement with the local community. In March, the Society of Independent Brewers gave Hogs Back its Business Innovation Award for 2016, in recognition of the investment in its hop garden.
Along with Farnham White Bine, the hop garden is also growing the English Cascade and Fuggles varieties, with plans for more exclusive beers using Hogs Back’s own hops.
Hogs Back Brewery managing director Rupert Thompson says, “We’re delighted that Waitrose customers will be able to enjoy our unique “Farnham White” beer. The Farnham White Bine hop once made our small part of Surrey world-renowned, and the whole community has welcomed its return. We’re very pleased to be bringing it to beer-lovers beyond our heartland.”