UK Brewing Up Hops to Rival U.S. Craft Beer Industry

There are more than 5,000 craft breweries in the U.S., and brewers in the UK are hoping to recreate that same success.

American craft beer makers have inspired a new generation of British brewers to reclaim their beers in a hops revolution.

Sales for craft beers are booming in the U.S., and British breweries are looking for a slice of the pie by using the aromatic and bitter American hop styles.

While hops are one of the most important ingredients in beer, hops in the UK have been overlooked. The American craze of craft brewing reawakened British interest for zesty flowers.

“The American craft beer revolution essentially was influenced by small craft brewers in the UK and regional brewers like ourselves,” said Rupert Thompson, owner of Hogs Back brewery. “They then took it a stage further and they developed some really interesting beers.”

Germany and the U.S. are the world’s largest producers of hops, but independent UK brewers are starting to recognize the importance of good quality, locally grown hops.