Items found matching the tag "charles faram"
Archer® was bred in the United Kingdom by the Charles Faram Ltd as part of their Charles Faram Hop Development Programme. The aroma is considered unique as it is a mix of class British and citrus. Archer® is a seedling of Sovereign and was planted along with Minstrel®. Released in 2013. A strong grower that needs to be held back in spring to promote bine growth.
Emperor® was bred by Charles Faram in 2013, being released in 2016. Sister to Opus™. Bred to meet the needs of bigger and bolder hops, the highish alpha acid level and great aroma characteristics make this a dual threat.
Godiva™ was developed by Charles Faram Ltd and it an aroma hop. A smooth bitterness does make it good as an early kettle addition too. Selected for yield, disease resistance and aroma, Godiva™ is a daughter of Jester™.
Harlequin™ was bred at Charles Faram in the United Kingdom, it has pedigree from Godiva™. Released commercially in 2019, Harlequin is similar to Mosaic®.
Jester™ is the "rebel" of the British hop industry, famously developed by Charles Faram to prove that English soil could produce the vibrant, tropical profiles typically reserved for the Pacific Northwest. Released in 2013 alongside its sister variety, Olicana®, Jester™ was bred from Cascade genetics and specifically selected for its bold, resinous intensity. While it thrives best during warm spring seasons to reach its full potential, it has already redefined expectations for UK-grown varieties. It serves as a premier homegrown alternative for brewers seeking massive grapefruit and blackcurrant notes, bridging the gap between classic British refinement and modern "New World" power. The profile of Jester™ is a punchy and sophisticated blend of zesty citrus and deep forest fruit. It leads with a primary aromatic burst of grapefruit peel and lychee, followed closely by a distinct secondary layer of blackcurrant and wild berries. Unlike traditional English varieties that lean heavily into wood and earth, Jester™ remains bright and fruit-dominant, though it retains a whisper of classic herbal resin that keeps the finish grounded. On the palate, it delivers a complex, "juicy" sensation with a versatile bitterness that pairs exceptionally well with both clean American yeast strains and expressive British esters.
Minstrel® is a standout variety from the "new wave" of British hop breeding, offering a sophisticated blend of heritage structure and modern aromatic flair. Developed by the Charles Faram Hop Development Programme and planted in 2006, it was commercially released in 2012. A descendant of Sovereign, Minstrel® was specifically bred to provide UK growers with a variety that could compete with the fruit-forward profiles of the New World while remaining rooted in the spicy and herbal complexity of English tradition. Although Charles Faram ceased commercial production in 2020 due to agronomic challenges, it remains a favorite for those seeking a "New English" depth with a distinct British personality. The sensory profile of Minstrel® is a harmonious and playful arrangement of ripe summer berries and refreshing citrus zest. It leads with a primary, "hedgerow" bouquet of red currants, blackberry, and orange peel, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of dried herbs, black pepper, and a hint of sweet tea. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant earthy foundation and a subtle floral sweetness that remains remarkably crisp on the palate. Thanks to its moderate alpha acid range and balanced oil ratios, Minstrel® delivers a soft, integrated bitterness and a long, fruit-saturated finish—the definitive choice for modern golden ales and pale ales.
Most™ is a groundbreaking variety that represents the modern evolution of the Central European hop tradition. Released in 2020 as part of the Charles Faram Hop Development Programme, it is a sister to both Jester™ and Olicana®. While its siblings are quintessential UK hops, Most™ made history as the first Faram variety to be grown in the Czech Republic. Appropriately, its name is taken from the Czech city of Most, which translates to "bridge"—symbolizing its role as a genetic link between the refined herbal elegance of the Old World and the intense, fruit-forward aromatics of the New World. The sensory profile of Most™ is a vivid and multi-dimensional arrangement of bright tropical fruits and classic European spice. It leads with a primary, "orchard-fresh" bouquet of sweet strawberry, honeydew melon, and citrus zest, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of dried herbs, cedar, and a hint of floral honey. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant "Noble" snap and a subtle resinous background that remains exceptionally clean and polished on the palate. Thanks to its remarkably low cohumulone levels and high oil saturation, it is best suited for late additions and dry hopping where its unique fruit-saturated Czech soul can truly shine.
Mystic™ is a captivating modern aroma hop representing the new frontier of British hop breeding. Developed by the Charles Faram Hop Development Programme and commercially released in 2017, Mystic™ is a daughter of the bold Jester™ variety. It was specifically selected to satisfy the contemporary brewer's craving for vibrant fruit aromatics and high yields while maintaining excellent disease resistance. Cultivated in the traditional hop yards of England, Mystic™ has quickly gained a reputation for its "New World" flair, offering a saturated fruit profile that stands in stark contrast to the spicy, earthy notes of heritage English hops. The sensory profile of Mystic™ is a bright and whimsical arrangement of succulent summer fruits and sweet citrus. It leads with a primary, "orchard-fresh" bouquet of blackcurrant, passionfruit, and apricot, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of orange marmalade and light floral blossoms. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant "fruit-candy" sweetness and a subtle herbal freshness that remains impeccably clean on the palate. Thanks to its moderate alpha levels and low cohumulone content, Mystic™ delivers a soft, integrated bitterness and a crisp, fruit-forward finish—the definitive choice for adding a playful, aromatic depth to modern British styles.
Olicana® is a revolutionary variety that has redefined the possibilities of British hop cultivation. Released in 2014 as part of the Charles Faram breeding program, it was initially planted as an experimental variety in 2009 alongside its sister, Jester™. Olicana® was specifically selected for its impressive vigor and a higher tolerance to Powdery Mildew than traditional varieties like Challenger. Currently grown commercially by specialists like Townend Farm and Stocks Farm in Worcestershire, this hop thrives in English soil while expressing an intense fruit character once thought exclusive to the Pacific Northwest or New Zealand. The sensory profile of Olicana® is a vibrant and sun-drenched explosion of exotic tropical fruit and bright citrus. It leads with a primary, "juicy" bouquet of ripe mango, crushed pineapple, and passionfruit, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of grapefruit zest and sweet floral honey. As the profile develops, brewers will find a subtle herbal freshness and a hint of stone fruit that remains clean and inviting on the palate. Thanks to its remarkably high essential oil content and balanced alpha levels, Olicana® delivers a saturated aromatic presence and a crisp, refreshing finish—making it the definitive regional, sustainable choice for high-impact, hop-forward ales.
Opus™ is a masterful aromatic symphony designed to provide brewers with a balanced and multi-dimensional "New World" hop experience from a classic source. Developed as a sister to the Emperor® variety in the United Kingdom by Charles Faram, this hop was initially bred in 2013 and released commercially in 2016. While many British varieties lean toward traditional spice and earth, Opus™ focuses on a specific chemical fingerprint that delivers the saturated tropical profile often associated with modern hybrids. It is a premier choice for brewers who demand a complex, layered hop presence that can serve as the primary aromatic driver in fruit-forward styles while benefiting from a polished and consistent character. The sensory profile of Opus™ is a sophisticated arrangement of vibrant tropical fruit and bright, refreshing citrus. It leads with a primary, "saturated" bouquet of ripe pineapple, mango, and passionfruit, followed by a secondary layer of zesty lime and sweet grapefruit. As the profile develops, brewers will find a refined herbal "dankness" and a subtle floral undertone that adds a crisp, professional edge. Because of its remarkably low cohumulone levels and high essential oil saturation, Opus™ shines specifically in late additions. It delivers a smooth, non-clashing bitterness and a lush, "fruit-salad" finish that stands out even in complex malt bills.