Every year, when there are six weeks left before the Barcelona Beer Festival, the team takes a short break and heads up to Ales Agullons for a special moment: brewing beer among friends. A lovely tradition that was born out of friendship.
We’ve known each other for many years. We’ve shared projects, festivals, joys, challenges and countless moments within the craft beer world. We’ve helped each other many times along the way and, without being entirely sure when the tradition became official, we’ve been brewing a beer together since the very first edition of the festival. This year marks the fifteenth.
A few weeks ago we met again at the brewery to do it once more. No rush, and with the same spirit as always: spending a day together brewing beer, talking about life and remembering old and new stories. For this edition we decided to return to a more classic approach after a few years of barrel-aged beers: a fresh, balanced and very drinkable Pale Ale. A beer made to be shared, to stretch conversations and to enjoy in good company.
The recipe also reflects a clear commitment to our territory. More and more, we believe craft beer only truly makes sense when it looks to its surroundings and connects with like-minded projects. That’s why we used malt from the Maltería Arbequina and hops grown by two local projects: Lo Vilot and Lupulina. Farmers who are helping build, from the land itself, a real foundation for local craft beer.
The beer is called, as always, Hops & Hopes. A name we love because it sounds great, but above all because it captures the spirit of this story. Hops hardly need explaining, and we’re full of hope and confidence that, by working together, meaningful things can be built.
This beer is not just a recipe. It’s a way of celebrating friendship, our territory and the long journey we’ve shared around beer. And, most importantly, it’s the perfect excuse to raise a glass together once again. Cheers!
