When Hops Was King

In the late 1800s Hops was King in upstate New York. Tens of thousands of men, women and children came to farms up and down the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers in September to pick hops. New York provided up to 90% of the hops in the US. That, along with the abundant grains grown in NY farms, helped make NY a major brewing power. NY hops even found their way into British beer.

Learn about what hops are, their history and how they helped shape New York's beer brewing history and what is happening today. Roger Savoy, President of Homebrew Emporium since 1997, has helped tens of thousands of people learn to make beer and wine, as a hobby as well as those starting a commercial venture.

Roger grows hops, which are used in his brewery, Emporium Farm Brewery, to make Harvest Ale. You can find Homebrew Emporium and Emporium Farm Brewery at 472 North Greenbush Road, Rensselaer, NY, www.beerbrew.com, 518 283-7094.

This program is made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library, a patron-supported non-profit organization. Become a Friend today!