Somerset’s Quantock Brewery has collaborated with Yakima Chief Hops to create a new beer using one of its latest experimental hop varieties.

The leading global hop supplier of American hops carefully selects breweries to collaborate with as part of trialling the performance of these new hop varieties.

Feedback on the new limited-edition beer, ‘Rooted in Yakima’, will help the growers decide whether the hop currently called HBC 472, will be commercially released and sold around the world in future.

Cheryl Ford, managing director and co-founder of Quantock Brewery explained: “We’ve loved our first collaboration with Yakima Chief Hops and can’t wait to get feedback on the new beer release. We’re always looking to push ourselves to create beer that appeals to all tastes.

“We’re really proud to be part of the development process testing this currently rare hop that offers so much potential to the global craft beer community.”

‘Rooted in Yakima’ is a 5% ABV pale ale featuring the house pale base, yeast used in Quantock Brewery’s NEIPAs and hop HBC 472 to create a blend of distinctive vanilla, coconut and pineapple notes with a smooth oak and bourbon flavour. 

Ruben Gil, regional sales manager for UK West and Portugal at Yakima Chief Hops added: ”Having worked in a brewery, it was exciting to pull the wellies back on and actively take part in the brewing process. We only collaborate with progressive breweries with technical capability and a focus on quality.

“The team at Quantock Brewery really impressed us with how they’ve stayed true to their roots and heritage and developed a contemporary craft beer style with their latest releases like their single hop series. ”