I am a huge fan of using local resources for pretty much anything, particularly foods. Farmer’s markets, while there is a slight additional expense, tend to have significant improvement in quality of product over big-box shops. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, try something simple like a carrot from a local venue – they are spicy, sweet and worlds above anything you could get at most supermarkets. Not only is the quality better, it is nice to invest in my community – hopefully, that will translate to better pricing and even better quality in the future.
So why not apply this concept to homebrew? I have to admit, I have been brewing for some years and the thought really only occurred to me recently. The Northeast does not strike me as an area that is known for its grain – that is, there seem to be a great deal of local farms that offer feed for livestock, but not barley for brewing*. However, hops is a totally different story. You think I’m crazy? I’ve had enough luck to be pleasantly surprised by finding Ocean State Hops, a small farm located in Southern RI. Put THAT in your pipe and smoke it, you haters.
OSH was founded a couple of years ago on the premise that brews need better and more hops, so they decided to start growing and harvesting their own flowers.Charged by their success, the folks at OSH decided to expand their operation to supply other brewers hops varieties that include Cascade, Chinook, and Newport.
I just missed the 2011 harvest by a couple of weeks, and that is really disappointing because – wait for it – OSH offered a “pick-your-own” (wet hops, anyone?). I also missed some of the tours that were going on during the actual harvest, which in itself, would have been great to be a part. I guess there’s always next year.The online shop is still open, of course, so I can take solace in at least being able to order some varieties. I can’t wait to see the improvement to one of my Bitter Red recipes and to do a little experimentation. I’m thinking the holidays are going to be extra delicious this year.
While OSH has not had this season’s harvest analyzed, you can find the standard characteristics of the varieties grown at the USA Hops website. Feel free to check out the OSH website and blog http://oceanstatehops.com/ which is a delightful melange of beefcake photos and farm happenings (sorry, ladies – Matt is already taken).
*Are you a local grower of grains that could be used in homebrew or know someone that is? Holler at me, ya’ll!