Back before the pandemic, we were starting to see a lot of special events where local hop farms were getting a chance to showcase what they do to the general public, with input and assistance from local breweries.

Well, the first time since then, that type of event is returning with a special demonstration of the hop-harvesting process at the Agri-Nature Center in Los Ranchos this Thursday at 6 p.m. The center has been growing its own hops for some time now, and the staff there will be joined by Hops Brewery’s head brewer Ken Wimmer. This event is free and open to the public.

The Agri-Nature Center is located at 4920 Rio Grande Blvd., north of the Montano overpass. The staff has been growing three varieties of hops in their 1-acre hop yard.

For the demonstration, the hop harvesting machine will be in use, and attendees can then learn how the hops are then processed and dried. Wimmer will be on hand to discuss the brewing process and how he uses local hops in some of his beers.

There will be samples provided of different beers brewed with locally grown hops, just in case you were worried you might go thirsty.

If anyone has any further questions, follow this link to contact the Agri-Nature Center staff.

Keep supporting local!

— Stoutmeister