I was overly optimistic that we’d see more production out of first year growth, confident the nutrient rich soil we enjoy as part of the Lake Erie watershed would supercharge first year growth. We had a successful first year crop, but we planted late due to a rainy spring and were disappointed we didn’t have enough to sample as originally planned.

That said, first year growth of several varieties were successful in that all our plants are healthy, productive, and developed a strong root structure – which was our first goal. We also timed our harvest well to optimize acid/oil content, and successfully dried to 8-10% total moisture content. Short of providing samples as promised, we would otherwise consider our first year a success and learned a lot.

We’ve begun expanding the hop yard in anticipation of 2015 planting, and are working with a local nursery to bring in more disease-free transplants this spring. If we haven’t already, we’ll be in touch shortly to seek customer inputs for varieties selected.

In the meantime, it’s an exciting time to enjoy craft beer. I remember ten years ago there were few places in town where you’d find more than Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Miller, Labatt, etc. Now, they fill growlers at gas stations. (And most people know what a growler is.) Excited to enjoy the new Resurgence Brewing on Niagara Street, and Big Ditch finally ramping up production. Thanks to all the great brewers practicing your craft in Buffalo!

Cheers,

V