Although the quality of the water, malt, hops and yeast used to brew a good beer are all as important as one another, hops have been a passion of mine over the past thirty years. Given the chance, hops can impart distinct characteristic aromas to a beer, just like varietal grape aromas in wine.

Kelham Island - Pale Rider

When Dave Wickett first started brewing at his pub The Fat Cat in Sheffield’s Kelham Island I am sure it never even crossed his mind that his beers would now be enjoyed from Castleford to California but courtesy of the title of Supreme Champion Beer of Britain in 2004 they certainly are – especially the recipient of that award Pale Rider.

The Isle of Man might not be at the top of your list of places of scientific and technological advancement but it just possibly should be, and all down to the efforts of one man - Dr William Okell.

Whilst Marx was busy revolutionising political thinking, Dickens was promoting his "new" book David Copperfield and Darwin was formulating his seminal theories Dr William Okell opened his astonishing Steam Brewery in the Isle of Man.

Those of you in the know about beer know about Rooster’s.

Rooster’s brewery in Knaresborough was set up in late 1993 by husband and wife team Sean and Alison Franklin. It now produces around 60 barrels a week after forging its initial reputation on being the first of the microbrewers to really embrace American hops and is known, certainly throughout Yorkshire, for the quality and consistency of its products.