The Hop Addition

The Hop Addition Podcast is a homebrewing podcast by homebrewers, for homebrewers.

Join three UK-based brewers as we dive into beer styles, brewing techniques, hops, yeast, fermentation, and recipe design — with a mix of deep-dive episodes, drink alongs, and expert guests from across the brewing industry.

Whether you're into all-grain brewing, IPAs, lagers, sour beer, or improving your homebrew setup, we’ve got practical tips, brewing science, and plenty of beer chat to help you brew better. 🍺

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20 episodes
Updated Thursday
Explicit

Episodes20

Newest first

Thursday · 1 hr 24 min
Episode 143 - LCBF DeBrief and Saturday Night Chinwag!
We're back with a relaxed catch-up episode as we look back on an incredible weekend at London Craft Beer Festival 2026. We chat about our favourite breweries, standout beers, emerging brewing trends, and what impressed (or surprised!) us most at one of the UK's biggest celebrations of craft beer. We also take some time to catch up on our own brewing projects, discussing recent successes, lessons learned, beers currently in the fermenters, and what's next for The Hop Addition. From future podcast plans and upcoming collaborations to homebrew experiments and competitions, this episode is a chance to join us for an informal beer-fuelled conversation. Grab a pint, settle in, and catch up with everything that's been happening in the world of The Hop Addition. Cheers! 🍻
Tuesday · 3 hr 1 min
Episode 142 - From Homebrew to Brewery: Algebrew with Ed
This week we're joined by Ed from Algebrew, one of the UK's newest independent craft breweries, to hear the story of taking a passion for homebrewing all the way to launching a commercial brewery. Over a drink-along featuring six of Algebrew's beers—including a Kölsch-style ale, pale ale, sour, NEIPA and DIPA—we discuss recipe development, scaling from homebrew to commercial brewing, hop utilisation, yeast management, water chemistry, oxygen control, equipment, and the realities of starting a modern craft brewery. Whether you're dreaming of turning your homebrew hobby into a business or simply want to hear the technical lessons learned along the way, this episode is packed with practical brewing insights, great beers and plenty of brewery stories. Cheers! 🍻
Tuesday · 2 hr 1 min
Episode 141 – Fictional Brews: Brewing the Beers of Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Film
What would Duff Beer, Butterbeer, Schraderbräu, Romulan Ale, or Dragon's Breath Ale actually taste like—and more importantly, could you brew them at home? In this fun, slightly chaotic episode of The Hop Addition, we dive into some of the most iconic fictional drinks from TV, film, books and video games. We explore their in-universe lore, the real historical inspirations behind them, and challenge ourselves to design homebrew recipes that capture the spirit of each legendary beverage. From Breaking Bad and The Simpsons to Harry Potter, Skyrim, Star Trek, Fallout, Futurama, The Lord of the Rings, and A Song of Ice and Fire, expect plenty of brewing theory, recipe design, beer history, and geeky discussion—plus a few beers along the way. If you've ever wondered how to brew a beer worthy of a wizard, a dragon, or a starship captain, this one's for you. 🍻
July 27 · 2 hr 18 min
Episode 140 - West Coast, Old School vs New School
The West Coast IPA is back—but it isn't the same beer that dominated the craft beer boom of the 2000s. In this episode of The Hop Addition, we explore how one of the world's most influential beer styles has evolved from crystal-heavy, piney bitterness bombs into today's ultra-pale, dry, hop-saturated modern classics. We compare old school and new school recipes, discuss the evolution of malt bills, water chemistry, yeast selection, whirlpool hopping, dry hopping, Cryo and hop extracts, and debate whether Magnum really is the perfect bittering hop. Along the way we review some classic commercial examples and share practical brewing tips to help you brew a competition-worthy West Coast IPA at home. Whether you're a fan of Racer 5, Sierra Nevada Torpedo, Two Hearted, or the latest generation of crystal-clear tropical IPAs, this episode is packed with technical brewing discussion, recipe advice, and plenty of hop geekery. Cheers! 🍻
June 4 · 1 hr 39 min
Episode 139 - Chasing the Landlord
In this episode of The Hop Addition Podcast, we take on one of the greatest challenges in British brewing: cloning the legendary Timothy Taylor’s Landlord. We dive deep into the ingredients, process, and brewing science behind this iconic Yorkshire pale ale — from Golden Promise malt and Styrian Goldings hops to the famously characterful West Yorkshire yeast strain and the magic of traditional Yorkshire Square fermentation. To put theory into practice, the three of us each brewed our own Landlord-inspired clone using different approaches, equipment, yeast choices, and water profiles — then put them head-to-head in a taste off against the commercial benchmark. Expect a deep dive into: 🍺 Why Golden Promise is essential to the Landlord profile 🧪 Water chemistry and sulfate-driven bitterness 🌿 The importance of Styrian Goldings late hopping 🦠 Wyeast 1469 and the Yorkshire ester profile 🏛️ The history and mechanics of Yorkshire Squares We also explore how fermentation management, mineral balance, and heritage ingredients shape one of the most award-winning beers in British brewing history. Huge thanks to our partner The Malt Miller, your go-to for all things homebrew — including the new Prysma liquid hop products and the dedicated Hop Addition recipe section. 💬 Have you ever tried cloning a commercial beer? Let us know your favourite British ale clone projects on socials and tell us which version you’d most like to try. 👉 Next up: we’re diving into the modern West Coast IPA revival — tune in June 6th!
June 3 · 3 hr 1 min
Episode 138 - Regional Water Profiles
In this episode of The Hop Addition Podcast, we dive back into the wonderfully murky world of water chemistry — this time exploring the famous regional water profiles that shaped some of the world’s most iconic beer styles. From the ultra-soft water of Pilsen to the sulfate-heavy wells of Burton-on-Trent, we explore how geology influenced brewing history, flavour, process, and style evolution across Europe and the British Isles. Expect a deep dive into: 💧 Sulfate vs chloride — the “hops vs malt” balancing act 🪨 Why water is basically “liquid geology” 🍺 How Dublin created stout, Burton created IPA, and Pilsen created pilsner ⚗️ Mash pH, alkalinity, hardness & mineral additions 🧪 Whether replicating historic water profiles is actually worth it for modern brewers We also tackle the practical side of water treatment for homebrewers, including RO water, Burtonisation, Campden tablets, and the modern philosophy of “designing water for the beer” rather than chasing historic city profiles. Huge thanks to our partner The Malt Miller, your go-to for all things homebrew. Don’t forget to check out the Hop Addition recipe section while you’re there. 💬 Do you build your water from scratch or keep it simple? Let us know your approach on socials and join the discussion.
April 21 · 2 hr 7 min
Episode 137 - Czech Beer with Radim from Budvar
In this episode of The Hop Addition Podcast, we’re heading to the heart of Czech brewing tradition with a very special guest — Radim from Budvar. Together, we explore what makes Czech lager some of the most revered beer in the world, while tasting through classic Budvar examples and breaking down how to recreate these iconic styles at home. Expect a proper deep dive into: 🍺 The magic of decoction mashing — what it really does to flavour 💧 The role of ultra-soft Czech water in balancing bitterness 🌿 Saaz hops and their signature spicy, herbal character 🌑 The underrated beauty of dark Czech lagers (Tmavý Ležák) 🧪 Traditional techniques like open fermentation & krausen skimming We also tackle the big questions — does decoction really make a difference? And how do Czech brewers achieve such incredible depth and drinkability in every pint? Huge thanks to our partner The Malt Miller, your go-to for all things homebrew — don’t forget to check out the Hop Addition recipe section while you’re there. 💬 Brewing a Czech lager or drinking along with us? Share your thoughts on socials — we’d love to hear how you get on.
April 20 · 1 hr 43 min
Episode 136 - BJCP Drink Along - Commonwealth Beers
In this episode of The Hop Addition Podcast, we’re exploring BJCP Category 12: Pale Commonwealth Beers — a trio of styles that share British roots but have evolved across the globe. We’re pouring and reviewing classic examples of: 🍺 British Golden Ale (Exmoor Gold) 🍺 Australian Sparkling Ale (Coopers Sparkling Ale) 🍺 English IPA (Hook Norton Flagship) Along the way, we break down the history, flavour profiles, and style guidelines behind each beer — from the crisp, refreshing pintability of Golden Ales, to the unique, yeast-driven character of Australian Sparkling Ale, and the balanced, mineral-forward bitterness of a traditional English IPA. Expect plenty of discussion on: 🌍 How these styles evolved across the Commonwealth ⚖️ Key differences in hops, yeast, and water profiles 🧪 What judges look for in each category 🏠 Practical brewing tips to help you nail these styles at home Whether you’re brewing for competition or just looking to better understand these classic styles, this episode is packed with insight to help you hit the mark. Huge thanks to our partner The Malt Miller, your go-to for all things homebrew — don’t forget to check out the Hop Addition recipe section while you’re there.
April 19 · 2 hr 3 min
Episode 135 - Smoked Beers with Rob from The Malt Miller
In this episode of The Hop Addition Podcast, we’re turning up the heat and diving headfirst into the bold, complex world of smoked beers. Joined by Rob from The Malt Miller, we explore how to harness smoke as an ingredient — without turning your brew into a liquid bonfire. We’re tasting a range of homebrewed creations, including a Rauchbier, Smoked Märzen, Smoked Lager, and the legendary Broken Dream, while breaking down recipes, techniques, and lessons learned along the way. Expect a deep dive into: 🔥 Different smoked malts — beechwood, cherry, oak, and peat 🌍 Historic styles like Rauchbier, Grodziskie, Lichtenhainer & Sahti 🧪 Managing phenols and balancing smoke intensity ⚖️ Getting your grist percentages just right (and avoiding the peat trap!) 🏠 Smoking your own malt at home — techniques, tips & pitfalls We also cover the key principles behind brewing great smoked beer — from building a solid malt backbone to keeping fermentation clean and letting time mellow those bold smoky flavours. Huge thanks to our partner The Malt Miller, your go-to for all things homebrew — especially if you’re looking to experiment with smoked malts. Don’t forget to check out the Hop Addition recipe section while you’re there. 💬 Got a favourite smoked beer or brewing tip? Let us know on socials and tell us what’s in your glass.
March 24 · 2 hr 39 min
Episode 134 - Dan Wye - Origins Brewing Project (Fyne Ales)
Welcome back to The Hop Addition Podcast — and this one gets seriously funky. We’re joined by Dan Wye, Head Brewer at Origin Brewing Project by Fyne Ales, to explore the wild world of mixed fermentation. This isn’t a beginner’s guide — we’re skipping straight past the basics and diving deep into the science, technique, and controlled chaos behind some of the most complex beers out there. Along the way, we’re sampling a stunning lineup including Crotag (Chardonnay-inspired chimera), Cu, Nadar Bramble, Lonag (Glen Fyne Foraged Saison), and more — breaking down how these beers are designed, fermented, and matured. Expect a proper deep dive into: 🦠 Mixed fermentation philosophy & house cultures 🌾 Wort design, turbid mashing & aged hop strategies ⚗️ Managing THP, acidity & micro-oxygenation 🪵 Barrel ageing, oak alternatives & solera systems 🍓 Blending, fruiting & safe bottle conditioning 🧪 Translating pro techniques to the homebrew scale Dan shares invaluable insights on how to balance funk, acidity, and complexity — without ending up with a glass of vinegar — plus the biggest mistakes homebrewers make when stepping into mixed ferm territory. Huge thanks to our partner The Malt Miller for supporting the show — your go-to for all things homebrew, including our dedicated Hop Addition recipe section. 💬 Got experience with mixed fermentation or thinking of giving it a go? Let us know on socials and share what you’re drinking along with us.
March 23 · 2 hr 25 min
Episode 133 - Andy Thomason - Four Priests Brewery
In this episode of The Hop Addition Podcast, we’re joined by Andy Thomason from Four Priests Brewery for a deep dive into brewing, cask beer, and life behind the bar. We crack into a brilliant lineup of beers — including Murgy, Cross Stout (4.2%), DIVINE Hibernation (4.8%), Get Locky (5.8%), and Ginger BEER’D (4.3%) — while chatting all things recipe design, customer expectations, and what it really takes to craft great beer for cask. Expect plenty of insight (and a few strong opinions!) on: 🍺 Designing beers for real drinkers 🛢️ Cask ale techniques, finings, and conditioning ⚙️ Equipment, dispense methods & cellar practices 🍻 Hard vs soft spiles, cask breathers & pour perfection 🏡 The realities of running a pub in today’s climate Huge thanks to our partner The Malt Miller, your go-to for all things homebrew — now stocked up with fresh Kegland equipment. Don’t forget to check out the Hop Addition recipe section while you’re there! 💬 Tried any beers from Four Priests? Let us know your thoughts on socials and tell us what you’re drinking along with us.
February 19 · 2 hr 16 min
Episode 132 - Hop Combinations and Blending
In this episode of The Hop Addition Podcast, we’re diving deep into the art and science of hop blending — how to choose, combine, and layer hops to achieve specific flavour outcomes in your beer. From timeless classics to modern “cheat code” hazy IPA combos, we explore what makes certain pairings just work. Expect discussion on proven duos like Cascade + Centennial, tropical heavy-hitters like Citra + Mosaic + Galaxy, and creative blends such as Nelson Sauvin + Motueka for that unmistakable NZ twist. We’ll also cover: 🍍 How to build tropical intensity without overpowering your base 📊 Using supplier flavour charts and survivable compound data to blend smarter 🔬 Biotransformation and yeast-hop synergy 📐 Layering hops across boil, whirlpool, and dry hop stages 🧪 When to use pre-made commercial blends (and what they teach us) Plus, we touch on exciting newer varieties hitting the market — including Krush (HBC 586), Nectaron, Superdelic, Luminosa, and more — and how they might fit into your next recipe. As always, huge thanks to our partner sponsor The Malt Miller, where you’ll find our dedicated Hop Addition recipe section — and right now, hop pellets are at reduced prices following their holiday sale. Whether you’re chasing balance, building a signature house profile, or just experimenting with new-school aroma bombs, this episode is all about blending with purpose. 💬 Got a favourite hop combo? Share it with us on socials and tell us what’s in your glass tonight.
January 26 · 2 hr 11 min
Episode 131 — Base Malts: The Foundation of Flavour
In Episode 131 of the Hop Addition Podcast, we’re getting back to brewing basics and diving deep into base malts — the true foundation of flavour in every great beer. From Maris Otter to Pilsner, Planet to Chevallier, we explore how your choice of base malt shapes body, balance, efficiency, and character. A huge thanks to our partner sponsor The Malt Miller, the UK’s premier supplier of all things homebrew. Don’t forget to check out their Hop Addition recipe section, and take advantage of reduced prices on hop pellets following their successful holiday sale. 🍺 Tonight we cover: 🌾 What makes a base malt “base” — enzymes, extract, and diastatic power 🧪 How barley varieties, terroir, and malting methods affect flavour 📊 How to read malt analysis sheets (HWE, colour, friability, screening) 🔥 Kilning, Maillard reactions, and flavour development 🌍 UK maltsters, sustainability, and the future of barley breeding 🎯 Pale vs Pilsner, heritage vs modern varieties, and when yield really matters We also explore practical brewing ideas, including blind base-malt tastings and how to test different malts in your own recipes, plus a hop tester and sensory analysis segment. 👉 Next episode plans are in the works — keep an eye on our socials for updates. 📲 Share your brews, tasting notes, and malt experiments with us online, and join us in the after party. Cheers from the Hop Addition crew! 🍻
January 10 · 2 hr 30 min
Episode 130 - Xmas Special 2025
Welcome to the Hop Addition Podcast Xmas Special! In Episode 130 we’re getting well and truly into the festive spirit — cracking open some big beers, sharing plenty of laughs, and reflecting on an incredible year of brewing, podcasts, and community. Stick around too… because it’s the season of giving 👀🎁 A huge thank you to our partner sponsor The Malt Miller, the UK’s premier supplier of all things homebrew. Be sure to check out the Hop Addition recipe section on their website, plus festive deals including 20% off Crisp malts, savings on pellet hops, and discounts on their indie beer fridge — perfect for stocking up over the holidays. We recap 2025 with: 🏆 Best commercial beer & homebrew 🌱 Favourite new hop, brewery, and style 🧠 Key lessons learned 🍻 Styles we’re excited to brew next year 🔮 Big brewing plans for 2026 We also look back on a packed year of podcasts — from Q&As and drink-alongs to deep dives on yeast, lagers, hops, home dispense, and some unforgettable guests including Richard Baggaley, Guy Perry (Hopsteiner), Bullhouse, Maverick Brewing, and many more. A total of 23 episodes recorded in 2025 — what a year! Thanks to everyone who’s supported the show this year — listeners, guests, Patreons, and after-party legends. Pour yourself something special and enjoy the episode. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and cheers from the Hop Addition crew! 🍻🎅
Dec 5, 2025 · 3 hr 7 min
Episode 129 - The Master of Froth! Richard Baggaley - Wheatlow Brewery
In this episode of the Hop Addition Podcast we’re joined by one of the UK homebrewing scene’s rising stars — Richard Baggaley of Wheatlow Brewery. Known for his wildly inventive brewing setup and fast-growing YouTube channel, Rich shares his homebrewing journey, the origins of his unique set up, and plenty of entertaining stories along the way. Check him out on YouTube at Wheatlow Brewery for some of the most creative homebrew content out there. A big thanks to our partner sponsor The Malt Miller, the UK’s premier supplier for all things homebrew. Don’t forget to explore the Hop Addition recipe section on their site, and check out current discounts across BIAB and 3-pot systems, BrewZilla, Grainfather, the Apollo Titan, 10% off Muntons malts — plus the Bucket Blaster at just £49.95 Tonight Rich walks us through the beers he kindly supplied — Sweet Release, Frothson, Blind Pig, and On the Barke Side — with bonus pours of Lederhosen and Spruce Juice. We dive into: 🍺 Richard’s YouTube journey and where it’s heading 🏗️ The evolution of his brewing setup, including his Burton Union system — what it is, how it works, and why it matters 🍻 The art of cask beer, top tips for traditional British styles, and the eternal debate: sparkler or no sparkler? 🌾 Favourite styles, ingredients, and the five beers he’d keep on tap forever 🎧 What he loves most about the Hop Addition community 👉 We’ll be taking a short break — the next episode lands Friday 12th December. Join us for a pint in the after party and share your latest brews on socials. Cheers! 🍻
Nov 25, 2025 · 3 hr 2 min
Episode 128 - Q & A Sesh
Welcome back to the Hop Addition Podcast! In Episode 128 we’re cracking open a full-on listener Q&A session — with questions ranging from insightful to ridiculous and everything in between. We tackle brewing philosophy, gear, technique debates, and some truly questionable lifestyle advice… A huge shoutout to our partner sponsor The Malt Miller, the UK’s premier supplier for all things homebrew. Don’t forget to check out the Hop Addition recipe section on their site, and keep an eye out for big discounts on brew pots, BrewZilla and Grainfather systems, the Apollo Titan, and 10% off Muntons malts. Tonight we dig into: 🍺 Brewing roots & philosophy — why we started, what we’d change, and our top tips for new brewers 🧠 Motivation & lifestyle — avoiding burnout, dodgy claims about Brewer’s Droop, and hiding your latest homebrew purchases 🛠️ Equipment & hacks — DIY gear, favourite gadgets, and building the ultimate home pub 🧪 Techniques & tweaks — recirculation, oxygenation, cold crashing, krausen dry hopping, mash hopping, FWH, and how temp impacts hop flavour 🧼 Cleaning & sanitation — PBW vs Oxi, no-rinse rules, and how clean is clean enough 🧬 Ingredients & yeast — dry vs wet yeast, ALDC, and what “craft” really means 🌿 Hops & adjuncts — best combos, noble hop/thiol experiments, and the weirdest adjuncts that actually worked 🤖 Future trends — AI in brewing, next year’s fashionable beer, and what we want to try in 2026 🍽️ Beer beyond the glass — cooking with beer, favourite parts of the hobby, and whether brewing or drinking wins out 👉 Next episode: We’re joined by Wheatlow Brewery’s Richard Baggaley — don’t miss it! 📲 And as always, tag us on social media with your latest brews, setups, and beer adventures. Cheers, and we’ll see you at the after party! 🍻
Nov 22, 2025 · 2 hr 25 min
Episode 127 - Love & Beer Debrief and Hoppy Lagers!
In this episode of the Hop Addition Podcast, we’re diving deep into one of the most exciting trends in modern brewing: hoppy lagers. From classic Czech and German pilsners to Italian pilsners, New Zealand pilsners, IPLs, Cold IPAs, and West Coast pilsners — we’re breaking down what defines these styles, how they differ from hoppy ales, and how to brew them brilliantly at home. We’re talking: 🌾 How to adapt a standard lager recipe 💧 Water profiles, pH, and process tweaks 🌿 Hopping rates, whirlpool vs dry hop approaches ✨ Clarity challenges (and how to fix them) 🧪 Yeast strains and modern hop products 🎯 Achieving that perfect balance of crisp lager character with big hop expression We also debrief on the Love & Beer Festival with Craft Beer Channel and The Malt Miller, share what we’re drinking, and answer live questions from listeners tuning in. Tag us with your latest homebrew, festival pours, or favourite beers — and stay tuned for more from the Hop Addition.
Nov 5, 2025 · 3 hr 4 min
Episode 126 - Frothy Ones! - All Things Dispense
Ever wondered what really happens between the keg and your pint glass? In this episode of The Hop Addition Podcast, we’re talking beer dispense — the art and science of serving the perfect pint. From mobile keg setups and gas management to taps, kegerators, line cleaning, and cellar hygiene, we’re covering everything that keeps your beer tasting fresh and pouring just right. Whether you’re running a home bar, setting up for an event, or just curious about the tech behind your favourite pour, this one’s packed with practical tips, brewing banter, and gear talk. We’ll dig into topics like: 🍺 The cheapest way to start kegging ⚙️ Gas blends, regulators, and flow control 🧊 Keezer and kegerator builds 🧽 Line cleaning routines and cellar management 🍻 Cask vs keg dispense systems Huge thanks to our partner The Malt Miller, your one-stop shop for all things homebrew. Check out their Hop Addition recipe section and grab a kit from our own archive or one of our guests. 👉 Next up: we’ll be back after the Love & Beer Festival with a Hoppy Lager brew day special
Oct 31, 2025 · 2 hr 11 min
Episode 125 - The Festbier Files! (Oktoberfest Special)
Grab your steins and join us for a deep dive into the golden heart of Germany’s greatest beer celebration — Oktoberfest! In this episode of The Hop Addition Podcast, we’re cracking open a few classic Festbiers and Märzens to explore what makes these brews the true taste of autumn. We’ll be tasting: 🍺 Augustiner Festbier 🍺 Ayinger Märzen 🍺 Giesinger Festbier …and even Andy’s own homebrewed Festbier! Expect plenty of chat on the origins of Märzen and the rise of Festbier, how to tell them apart, and the brewing science behind each — from malt and yeast selection to fermentation, lagering, and decoction mashing. Huge thanks to our partner The Malt Miller, your go-to for everything homebrew. Don’t forget to check out the Hop Addition recipe section and grab your tickets to the upcoming Love and Beer Festival, where you can meet us in person and sample some of our own brews! 💬 Got a favourite Festbier or Märzen? Let us know on socials and share what’s in your glass. So fill your stein, cue the brass band, and get ready for a Wunderbar evening of German beer talk and good vibes. Prost! 🍻 👉 Next up: A special episode discussing all things dispense related, kegs, taps, gas and more!
Oct 21, 2025 · 2 hr 4 min
Episode 124 - Return of the Hoddy! (Maverick Brewing Drink Along)
The Hop Addition is back with Episode 124, and tonight we’re welcoming back a fan favourite — the one and only Mr Hoddinot! Join us as we catch up with the real brewer himself for another deep dive into all things hops, malt, and Maverick. We’re talking new beers, new techniques, and a few wild experiments along the way: 🍺 Lowtide — a 4% session hazy mashed at 72°C 🦅 Big Bird — thiolised yeast magic and hop unlocking 🥭 Smoosh — kettle sour meets mango madness in a fruity slushie-style brew We’ve also got updates from Maverick Brewing, a look back at LCBF, and teasers for our upcoming Oktoberfest special — complete with a new Hop Addition beer pack from our friends at The Malt Miller, the UK’s premier supplier of all things homebrew. 👉 Got a question for Hod? Drop it in the comments or hit us up on socials. 💬 Don’t forget to share, subscribe, and tag us in your latest brews. Cheers from the Hop Addition crew — see you at the after party! 🍻