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How did hops become established in British brewing?
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Beer
Glasses of beer in a bar in Brussels.
Hops were introduced into British brewing in the 15th century, having been brought over from Holland.1
Prior to this, while hops had been in use in Germany since the 11th century, British brewing relied on older traditions. Once established, hops became a vital component of the brewing process due to their content of bitter resins, essential oils, and tannins. When boiled in wort, these constituents impart a characteristic mellow bitterness and aroma to the beverage while also aiding in its preservation.123