Cullercoats Brewery Admiral ale salutes English hops

Cullercoats Brewery is to once again salute English hops with it’s latest nautically themed beer, Admiral.

The Wallsend-based business’s latest 4.8% pale ale, which will launch at the Cumberland Arms in Byker on August 16, has been made using Admiral hops – some of which were added in handmade hop bags.

“As any one who knows anything about Cullercoats Brewery will be aware, I am a huge fan of English hops,” said head brewer Bill Scantlebury.

“I just love the range and depth of flavour, subtle but so complex – not a punch you in the face type of hop hit! We only ever use English hops and all our beers are ‘All English’.

“I’m looking forward to another visit to ‘Hop Country’ in September, for Charles Faram’s hop walk and training day, in Worcestershire.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to taste new varieties and get good solid advice from the people who know all there is to know about hops: the farmers and merchants themselves.”

One of around 20 English grown hop varieties, Admiral hops give orangey citrus notes to the beer.

Cullercoats added Admiral both at the beginning and end of the boil, and then a week later, more hops were added in special ‘teabags’ lovingly made from muslin by Bill’s wife Anna on her sewing machine.

“Winkling out the soggy bags is a pain, and of course extra hops adds a significant cost and lots of extra work, but we hope you’ll agree after tasting the beer, it’s worth the effort,” said Bill.

Cullercoats Brewery Admiral  will be launched at the Cumberland Arms in Byker on Saturday August 16, with the ale on the bar from 3pm.

The even will also see Boda Home, of Whitley Bay firing up their barbecue, with Northumbrian Sausage Company bangers and burgers, and there will be ping pong and games for the young and young at heart.