Spreading Hoppiness

Ep 6 - Inside Budvar Brewery: Tradition, Technique and Taste

Step inside one of the world's most iconic breweries - Budvar!

In this episode of Spreading Hoppiness, our own Will Rogers travels to the Czech Republic to meet Adam Brož, the tenth legendary Brewmaster in Budvar's extensive history. Together, they share the traditions and techniques behind Budvar's authentic beers, from 300-meter-deep wells providing the perfect water, to the extended lagering process and why the use of whole-cone hops still remains supreme. 
Tune in for this masterclass in tradition, technique, and taste.

And that is not all, this episode also features our latest Five Minutes with Faram, Paddie sits down with Matt Clarke and Alex Rutledge from Lakes Brew Co., as they chat and joke, and discuss their mind-blowing West Coast IPA, which hops they love and HOW they use them, plus something to do with a meat raffle!

It's all to explore on this week's episode of Spreading Hoppiness.

Ep 5 - From Bine to Brew: Hops from Around the World

International Hop Growers, the importance of working together & the tighty whities tale

Get ready to set off across the world on this week's episode of Spreading Hoppiness! We are bringing you ear to ear with 5 international hop growers from Slovenia, New Zealand, North America and the UK. 
Learn about their backgrounds, their expertise and flavour breakthroughs with some great stories along the way. Discover how Amarillo® was found by accident, why NZ Hops is changing the brewing game and why growing hops is both a science and a family affair

This juicy episode is not to be missed, but it doesn't end there... Maddie catches up with head brewer Ed Sharman from Oakham Ales, to talk about hops, beers and his favourite Italian dish. 

Find out all in this week's episode.

Ep 4 - Hops on the Horizon: The Next Generation of Hop Flavours

Hop Heats Continues...
On this week's episode, our sensory session is bound to get your taste buds tingling! Join Charles Faram for the latest chapter in our experimental hop journey, with Buxton Brewery. We have brought together a panel of experts and 150 brewers to taste, explore and critique 4 BRAND new hop varieties that have never been brewed with before!

Brewing trials provide the vital feedback we need to secure the future of new British hops. Same base beer.... same brewery... but very different hops... which will be victorious? Stay tuned to find out.

And the episode doesn't stop there, join Maddie as she heads to Bakers Dozen to chat with brewers Dean and Jill

What do Bombay mix, detectives, and jeans all have in common? You’re about to find out… Plus, hear how they’re gearing up to celebrate their 12th-year anniversary!

 

Keep up to date with all our hoppy news on the link below: https://linktr.ee/CharlesFaram

Ep 3 - Hops and High-Tech Innovations - The Abstrax Approach

Welcome back to Spreading Hoppiness, The Charles Faram Podcast, where we explore all things hops and brewing.  In this latest episode, Hops & High-Tech Innovations hosts Maddie & Paddie chat with Craig Thomas (Abstrax Hops) and Julian Shrago (Beachwood Brewing) and, they learn how Abstrax is shaping the future of brewing.

Julian shares his journey from aerospace engineer to brewmaster, while Craig breaks down how Abstrax’s groundbreaking products are helping breweries boost efficiency, enhance flavour, and increase beer yields. Learn about the secret to mastering the difficult flavour of watermelon, and the impact  Quantum Brite will have on your brews, and how this is the next step in brewing innovation. 

Later, Billy Ericksson (Brewing Brothers) joins Maddie to talk about his brewing journey, favourite beers, and how the brewery is expanding while staying connected to its roots.

Ep2 - Brew & Lore : Witches, World Records & Adventures in the World of Beer!

What do witches, world records, a day dedicated to celebrating beer, and hop root foraging have in common?  

More than you realise, but for today it’s Jane Peyton! This month, we sit down with extraordinary storyteller and beer aficionado Jane to uncover the ‘spellbinding’ truth behind the classic Disney witch image, Jane’s adventures picking hops and foraging for rare hop shoots, the history of women in brewing, and the incredible moment she shattered a world record for the largest beer tasting event!

Plus, we raise a glass to Beer Day Britain, now celebrating its 10th anniversary. And, of course, we get a sneak peek at what’s brewing next in her adventures. This is an episode you won’t want to miss

 

Check out the rest of our hoppy news on our socials, link below:

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Ep 1 - The War on Hop Diseases: Could this be the End of Chemical Pesticides?

We're back for 2025, and we have a brilliant line up of hoppy topics, technical talks and brewing techniques!

This week we hear from hop grower Jim Barrett as he gives us the low down on the 2024 harvest, what methods he's been using to create award winning hops and how he's reducing the use of chemical pesticides. Could this be the future of hop growing?

But that's not all—we catch up with Welsh brewer Rhys Pillai from Beer Riff. Learn how he went from punk rocker to brewer as he takes us through his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and the new products he's excited to brew with!

EP 32: Tears and a Tractor: The Grower Brewer Relationship

On this week's episode, Growers and Brewers talk relationships, but not the romantic kind... from crying on a tractor to why it's helpful for brewers to get to know their hop growers.

We have a huge selection of guests, including the team from Wye Valley Brewery, Ant from Ledbury Real Ales, and two of our illustrious hop growers, Tom Probert and Simon Parker, with plenty more mentions along the way! 

Plus, catch up with Faram's Maddie as she chats with Head Brewer Alice, from Batham's Brewery, they talk favourite hops, best beer suggestions and some must-visit pubs!

This is the final episode of Spreading Hoppiness 2024 and not to be missed... 

Keep up to date with our hoppy news, by following our socials, link below: 

https://linktr.ee/CharlesFaram

 

 

Ep31: The Secrets of the Hop Lab & the Brewer who won't pick Favourites

Ever wondered about the science behind hop breeding or weather proofing the future? Well on this week's episode find out in a way we'll all understand, as Mark Dredge catches up with Klara Hajdu, Hop Breeder and expert at Wye Hops. From the Noah's ark of hops, to the magic of creating aroma, let her guide you through hop breeding as she brings her PhD research to life. 

But that’s not all! Tune in for a great chat between Faram’s Paddie and Brewer Chris Gooch from Teme Valley Brewery. Learn about how Chris went from farming to brewing, and why he won't choose favourites... 

Catch up with the rest of our hoppy news on our socials, link below: 

https://linktr.ee/CharlesFaram

Ep30 - It's the Weyermann® Way: From Recipe to Refinement

Get ready for malt to take the spotlight on this week’s episode of Spreading Hoppiness. We welcome malt expert Axel Jany from Weyermann® Specialty Malts, all the way from Germany. He sits down with our own brewing expert Faram's Jon and Beer Writer Mark Dredge to chat about the world of malt and its impact on your beer.

From the heritage of favourite varieties such as ISARIA 1924® to developments in CARARED® and CARAHELL®, they cover it all, exploring flavour, colour, and taste along the way. With Jon revealing what unique tweaks you need to make to take your beer to the next level.

But that’s not all! Join Paddie for an exclusive interview with Bewdley Brewer Tanisha, from creating can artwork to find inspiration from her cat, Tanisha brings creativity to every part of the brewing process.

Check out of the rest of hoppy news on our socials, link below: https://linktr.ee/CharlesFaram

 

Ep 29 -Harvest Celebrations with Green Hops: Tips, Tricks and Brewing Techniques

It’s time for green-hopped beers! Join brewing experts Ben Adams and Chris Gooch from Teme Valley Brewery as they reveal the secrets behind using green hops in your brews. They discuss all things technical, from timing to quantity and flavour. Packed with expert tips, tricks, and stories, this episode will inspire your next brewing adventure.

But that’s not all! Join Paddie as he chats with the team at Goose Eye Brewery. Hear their stories from past, present, and learn what they believe makes a great beer.

If you like what you see, why not check out our YouTube channel for more hoppy news? Link below:

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