Spreading Hoppiness

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: 

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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:

https://youtube.com/@charlesfaramfilms?si=KCeoDf5oNJ02abzO

 

Ep 28 - Hops to Sky-High Ambition: Generations, Aspirations and Evolution

Born to hop farmer or wanted to be a pilot? Tales of hop picking, changes over the years and what remains timeless in the craft.  Join us on this week's podcast, as Charlie, Maddie and Paddie, chat with four of our Charles Faram Farms growers about what it’s like growing up with hops in your blood. Featuring Herefordshire-based Tom Probert, Worcestershire’s Richard Capper, and Molly & Bill Biddell from Surrey.

What’s more difficult - hops, sheep or apples? Tune in to find out!

But that's not all! Stick around as Paddie chats to experienced brewer Ben from Gloucestershire-based Stroud Brewery as he shares his tips, tricks and what is next for him in the industry.

Want to find out more? 

Why not check out the full Five Minutes with Faram Chat on our YouTube, link below: 

https://youtu.be/lpZuO51Dc3c?si=M2T8gc0p_2QREvxu

 

Ep 27 - On the Farm: The Hidden Heroes of the Hop Yards

This week, you join us on the farm—hop grower Tom Probert's farm, to be precise!

Hop yards are full of wildlife, some we like, and some we don't! Grower Tom Probert and our own Will Rogers put hop agronomist Jonathan Blackman to the test as they go through what is essential to hop growing and what you need to avoid.

This episode explores the clever ways farmers are controlling pests, keeping soil nutrients high, and keeping costs low. And let's not forget about the hidden heroes of the hop yards, tune in to find out what they are and where they are hiding.

But the episode doesn't end there! We're back with another "Five Minutes with Faram." This week, join Maddie as she chats with head brewer Andy Leman from the brilliant Timothy Taylor’s brewery. Andy shares his passion for brewing, the story behind the iconic Landlord pale ale, and his best tips and tricks for producing high-quality beer time and time again!

Check the full Five Minutes with Faram video on the link below: 

https://youtu.be/2JrOrHBEIsk?si=UzL9feOXPiSs7eMS

 

 

 

Ep26: Kiwi Kronicles - Brewers, Baggage and Bio Security

Brewing experts Rhys Pillai, Brian Dickson and Jim Rangeley unlock the mysteries that make New Zealand hops the way they are. Hosted by flavour nerd Mark Dredge with growing insights from our own Will Rogers.  This episode is bursting with brewer experiences from hop farm to brew.  You'll come away able to smash any pub quiz with questions about triploids and biosecurity.

Paddie then heads over to see Don Burke at Hawkstone Brewery for the Five Minutes with Faram chat, including his favourite beers, tips, his brewing journey, interests and discoveries.  Tune in and be inspired!