Named after Richard Fuggle who selected the variety back in 1861 and released it in 1875, this classic hop has been an ever-present in British brewing for 150 years. It’s part of the DNA of British beer. Its low yield and the development of much higher alpha acid varieties (Fuggles weighs in at 3.5-6.5%) means that it’s now only used as an aroma hop, offering up grassy, floral, slightly herbal countryside notes.
Fuggle hops are also grown across Europe and in America (where they tend to have more woody/fruity notes and higher yields) and are used in English, American and Belgian style ales. Alternatives include Willamette and Golding varieties.
The hop also lends its name to a rather excellent Beer Cafe not too far from our main offices in Tunbridge Wells, Kent (the county in which the variety originates).