Sparkling Hop Water: Harlequin
The next iteration of our gloriously refreshing Sparkling Hop Water is out now, this time featuring a hop that’s making waves right here in the UK – it’s Harlequin®!
Showcasing hops in our alcohol-free Sparkling Hop Water gives these incredible ingredients space to truly flourish and gets across the very core of their character. Snapping open a can gives the same heady rush of aroma exactly like opening the bag of hops in the brewhouse, and you can really consider the complexities and nuances of the hop itself when there is no malt backbone to cloak it.
Harlequin® has a rich heritage and history. It’s the daughter of Godiva, and granddaughter of Jester, and is named for the beautifully patterned bracts (essentially the leaves of a hop) found within the cone. It’s also a strikingly lengthy hop, as you can see from the illustration shown on the can (meticulously handdrawn as always by our designer James Murphy). Harlequin® has taken us all by storm here for the burst of New World character it displays (with a higher alpha acid % – bitterness potential – than other British grown hops), meaning it’s been described as almost akin to Mosaic, hence why we’ve used it before in a UK hopped version of our Heathen pale ale. In addition to whole cone hops, we also used Harlequin Abstrax Quantum which is an aroma extract derived from these lovely little flowers, to give it an extra oomph.
In our Sparkling Hop Water, you should find the Harlequin® lends itself to a delicately tropical aroma, with light, luscious notes of citrus fruits, soft and gentle peach flavours, and a nuanced hint of hedgerow typical of the UK terroir which rounds out the profile beautifully. A pronounced fresh, almost marmaladey bitterness in the finish reminds you why these hops make such great beer too!
0% alcohol, 100% refreshing. Tastes delicious enjoyed solo straight from the can, or poured over ice with a slice of pink grapefruit if you’re feeling a little bit fancy. Available now in 440ml can, including from our online shop.
What hop would you like to see us try next?!
Cheers,
Team Abbeydale
With thanks to our hop suppliers Charles Faram for the information about Harlequin® hops – you’ll find their logo on the can too!
