The wettest summer for years will result in a high quality hop harvest and therefore better beer, say UK brewers in a press release on 27th August 2010

The taste of beer may improve as brewers at the Kent brewery – Shepherd Neame look forward to a high quality of hops this year. In the UK, the wettest July on record has been followed by a rainy August, but the silver lining to this cloud is that the mixture of sunshine and showers has been ideal for the growth of top quality hops.

To reap the full benefit, a rainy August will need to be followed by a dry September, when the hops will be picked. David Holmes, head brewer at Shepherd Neame, said “We’re not expecting a bumper harvest like last year; it will be a case of quality rather than quantity.”

Rain means better tasting hops and beer. David Holmes explains that the flavour in beer comes from the female part of the hop plant. These are called the hop cones, and it is these that add aroma and bitterness to beer. The brewery has been monitoring the growth of the cones and has seen them flourish in the summer months.

Article taken from Suite 101.com