Wild Hops near Surrey-Kent Border?

[DeGarre]

I missed the fun last summer but this year intend to keep my eyes peeled for wild hops near Oxted, Westerham, Crockham Hill, Toys Hill, Edenbridge area where I do a fair bit of rambling and running. Hopefully I'll get to brew a wild green hop ale this year. I will gladly share information should I find anything.

[sladeywadey]

are you still brewing commercially, Degarre?

[DeGarre]

are you still brewing commercially, Degarre?

We still are although "commercially" might be stretching it a bit...

[Rookie]

are you still brewing commercially, Degarre?

We still are although "commercially" might be stretching it a bit...

Stretch away. When I had my first Last Drop piece published in Zymurgy I started calling myself a "beer writer".
It was a lot classier of a title than my previous one: "semi-retired free lance lay about."

[barneey]

There used to be a patch of them on an industrial estate Riverside Way DA1 5BS next to the Coffee place (I picked them 2012) - no longer work around that area so am unsure if they still exist.

[DeGarre]

Thanks Barneey, DA1 is a bit out of my way.

First scouting today, will go for a run on footpaths near and through farms, will pay special attention to old hedgerows, saw some interesting looking leaves when driving through the area (basically country lanes between just south of Crockham Hill and Merle Common).

[Rookie]

I'd love to find some wild hops. I have often found wild blackberries that I've used a couple of times.

[DeGarre]

So far I have found a few hop plants, couple of them out of bounds (someone's garden, check out properties with converted oast houses...). One plant is growing over a wooden fence and can be reached but is overlooked by some windows so a night raid or a permission would be needed. And then there is quite a lot of growth along one secluded footpath, some beginnings of flowers/cones are evident. But the hunt continues.

[DeGarre]

Two very secluded hedgerows found, easy and safe access, burrs showing in one of them, haven't visited the other lately.

[legion]

I spoke to the owner of house in Barming who had hops growing in his front garden and he was happy for me to take some.

I have done two wild hop brews, they have been on, but I had hoped for them to be better and do not intend to do anymore

[DeGarre]

Crockham Hill towards Chartwell, found the most promising growth so far, secluded footpath near a converted oast house.

[DeGarre]

Crockham Hill towards Chartwell, found the most promising growth so far, secluded footpath near a converted oast house.

[DeGarre]

Two of the places have good sized cones growing, one site unfortunately has a male hop. Also just noticed that the hedgerow across the street from The Roayl Oak in Crockham Hill has loads of cones - easy pickings!

[robbym123]

I've found a nice big patch of hedgerow hops just outside Reigate in Surrey. Is there any way of assessing (without a laboratory) whether they are a variety best used for bittering or aroma additions - or even better identify a variety. I know that i could just chuck a load in and hope for the best, but it would be great to make a slightly more informed guess. They are about 2-3cm long, i can see some lupulin 'dust' inside them. When rubbed they smell mildly hoppy.

Would be happy to share the location by PM in return for id advice. I've got some photos i could share.... ?.

[windrider]

I've found a nice big patch of hedgerow hops just outside Reigate in Surrey. Is there any way of assessing (without a laboratory) whether they are a variety best used for bittering or aroma additions - or even better identify a variety. I know that i could just chuck a load in and hope for the best, but it would be great to make a slightly more informed guess. They are about 2-3cm long, i can see some lupulin 'dust' inside them. When rubbed they smell mildly hoppy.

Would be happy to share the location by PM in return for id advice. I've got some photos i could share.... ?.

You could make a hop tea. Just boil some water and add some hops and let steep for 5 - 10 mins or so. Chill then smell, taste and try the tea and see what flavours you get.

If you like it go ahead and brew with it Just remember you need to use more 'wet hops' in the brew than normal.