Cross Breed showcases new British hop variety

New hops CF243 trialled in Uley Brewhouse brew

Uley Brewery launches 'Cross Breed' with brand new Hops from Charles Faram

Using brand new hops CF243, Cross Breed, is a single hop, 4% Amber beer with hints of orange.

Uley Head brewer, Ken Lush chose the hop and worked with Rich Davies from Charles Faram from hop development to brew.

Cross Breed, is one of ten special brews from Uley Brewery to celebrate their 40th year, and will be available throughout June.

Showcasing new hops


Uley Brewery, renowned for its traditional brewing techniques  has teamed up Charles Faram to create ‘Cross Breed’. An innovative special beer showcasing a brand new British hop variety.

This collaboration has resulted in a deliciously fresh amber beer, with hints of orange and crystallised honey, all rounded off with Uley’s signature long finish.

While Uley Brewery remains rooted in tradition, it is also committed to innovation, particularly in partnership with Charles Faram, who are at the forefront of developing new and aromatic British hop varieties.

This project also highlights a growing trend among British hop growers: a focus on sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact and ensure the industry’s long-term viability. By sourcing hops grown in the UK, breweries like Uley can significantly reduce transportation distances, helping to minimise both environmental and carbon footprints.

‘Cross Breed’ stands as a testament to the future of British brewing – where heritage and innovation go hand in hand for a more sustainable pint.

Cross Breed will be available throughout June.

Ken Lush said: ‘From our point of view, hop development is fundamental to the survival of English brewing.’

Charles Faram said: It’s a pleasure to collaborate with a brewery so dedicated to quality, tradition, and innovation. Uley truly supports the hop growers and pushing future flavour boundaries by trialling and showcasing new hops.

The hops used for Cross Breed is an experimental variety hop from the Hop Development Programme. In the earliest stage of development – the brewer trial stage. Cross Breed  is unique as there is very little quantity of this hop available.  If the hop makes it through to the end of the programme it will lose its experimental name (CF243) and be given a brand name – and released commercially to join Archer®, Jester®, Olicana®, Harlequin®, Opus®, Emperor®, Mystic™, and Godiva™.

Photo from article featured on Beer Today

Hop Leaf 2 / Hop News