Beer Made From Hops Grown in Mrs B's Garden
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Four Pines Brewing Co.I attended a talk at the Lane Memorial Library in July, 2023 sponsored by Four Pines Brewing Co. brewer Jason Bourassa, learning from an expert some of the secrets to a well brewed beer. It appears to be a simple process. There are only four ingredients: good water, yeast, malt, and hops. George Washington had a recipe that he brewed in 1756, and most women in the 18th century grew hops and made brew for their families. But there is a technique and knowledge about timing and the extra ingredients that only comes with practice, the talent, and patience of the brewer.
In Mrs. B's 18th century herb garden
at the Tuck Museum grows a
Cascade hop plant that for the past
11 years has produced hop pods in
abundance as it creeps high up the
back entrance to the museum. I
asked brewer Jason if he would like
to harvest the hops and try using the
fresh pods to brew a historical beer.
He said yes and with his wife and
mother they came to the museum to
harvest the hops. They picked about
two pounds of the sweet smelling,
fresh, sticky pods for a batch of brew.
After eight weeks of fermenting, cellaring,
and lots of time spent in a big tank at Four
Pines Brewing Company in Hampton, I got
to taste the results. The tangy, fruity,
woody, thirst-quenching brew was worth
the wait.
Karen Raynes
Throwback Brewery
Throwback Brewery released numerous Holiday
Beers on November 15, 2025. One of
the beers was "Remnant Rustic Larger - Kellerbier with Local
Hops and Malt."
The beer showcases 100% locally grown and malted New
England grains – earthy spices, soft sweetness, and hints
of molasses and maple. It is balanced by floral, citrusy hops,
including fresh whole-cone Cascade hops from Mrs. B's
kitchen garden at the Tuck Museum.
Karen Raynes
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