Ventnor Botanic Garden is launching its second home-made bitter following another successful year growing its own hops at the site.
After the success of ‘Hoppiness’ in 2010, the Garden has teamed up with local brewers Yates to produce ‘Tropic-Ale’ bitter. It will be officially launched on Saturday and with the Indian summer set to continue, it would seem the ale has been very aptly named.
While last year’s bitter was only available in casks, ‘Tropic-Ale’ will be available in both draught and bottles.
The bottles will be sold in the Botanic Garden’s gift shop priced at £3.25, with the draught available in The Royal Garden Cafe and selected local pubs.
The hops were picked at the start of September at the Botanic Garden by local volunteers and used by Yates to produce the bitter, which will be 5% ABV.
Garden Manager Chris Kidd said “This year we have been able to produce a large quantity of the bitter, but we are still expecting it to be in high demand.
“It is also good we have been able to produce bottles this year, as it gives visitors a new souvenir to take home with them, although how long they will be able to resist opening it is another matter!”
‘Tropic-Ale’ is described as a golden bitter with a crisp and hoppy taste. They will only be available to over 18s.
The draught of the bitter will be launched on Saturday 1 October at the Royal Garden Cafe at Ventnor Botanic Garden at 2pm. The bottles will be available to buy from 1 October.
The Isle of Wight used to be the country’s fifth largest grower of hops until the early 20th century when production stopped. It is also educating visitors to the Garden about the importance of plants and their everyday role.
Further information about the bitter can be obtained by calling Ventnor Botanic Garden on (01983) 855397.
