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Back to Basics: What I learned from British Hops
A STORY ABOUT HOW WE CAME FOR THE BEER, BUT STAYED FOR THE PEOPLE
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Some trips change the way you look at beer. Agus Blanco’s visit to the UK this August was one of those journeys.
What began as a simple exploration of British hops soon turned into a deeper discovery of people, stories, and traditions that shape British brewing.
And on that journey, Agus learned much more than just about hops: She understood a part of British beer culture from the inside, from the countryside, from those who still believe that every flower has an accent and a story.
AGUS BLANCO
Spanish Beer Writer
Living Among Hops and Friendship
For a few weeks, Agus lived at Faram’s Andrew house in the heart of the UK. The two met years ago while tasting beers, and their shared passion brought them together again. This time, Andrew opened not only his home but also his world to Agus. Together, they toured breweries, visited hop fields, and met growers who dedicate their lives to cultivating British hops.
Learning Beyond the the Fields
As they travelled through the countryside, Agus met brewers, farmers, and suppliers who each added a unique perspective. Every stop revealed something new about British beer culture, its respect for tradition, connection to the land, and pride in local ingredients. Through conversations and shared pints, Agus realised that British hops are more than just ingredients; they represent stories, friendships, and a commitment to quality.
More Than a Lesson in Brewing
By the end of her trip, Agus had learned much more than facts about hops. She discovered a living culture rooted in authenticity, warmth, and community. It reminded her that while she came for the beer, she stayed for the people who make it special.
THE ARTICLE CONTINUES… CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW
If you would like to learn more about Agus’ trip and her findings, click the button below to visit her original Spanish article.
This page has been adapted from Agus Blanco’s “Volver al origen: lo que aprendí del lúpulo británico (y de Andrew Whalley)“
The original article was written in Spanish. You can click translate in most search engines, for non Spanish speakers.
