Rufflets is proud to have partnered with Futtle, an organic brewery just a stone's-throw away in the East Neuk of Fife, to produce an organic pale ale beer using fresh hops grown in the Rufflets’ kitchen garden. This is the first time that organically-grown Scottish hops have been brewed into an organic Scottish beer.
Traditionally they are almost impossible to grow in Scotland due to the wet climate, but undaunted, our Head Gardener, Logie Cassells grew seven different varieties of hops in Rufflets’ kitchen garden using organic methods. The hops were harvested by Logie and the Futtle team on 21st September 2022 and were used to brew within 24 hours.
Founded in 2020 by Lucy Hine and Stephen Marshall, Futtle produce a range of organic beers in a converted stable block on the Bowhouse food hub, St Monans.
Lucy Hines, co-founder of Futtle said
‘They said it could never be done, but we did it! Although customary across hop-growing counties like Kent and Norfolk, this joyful tradition is certainly not something we’re used to seeing in Scotland. We were delighted to collaborate with the whole Rufflets’ team and look forward to making this an annual Fife tradition, to rival the English hop counties and put Scottish hops on the map!’
Marco Truffelli, Rufflets Partner and Managing Director said
“We are what we eat and drink, and what we eat and drink comes from our lands. We at Rufflets passionately believe it is our responsibility to play a part in sustainable agriculture: our partnership with Futtle gives us the opportunity to celebrate our micro farming efforts. The next crop is already growing in Rufflets’ kitchen garden and we plan for this collaboration to continue and to expand year on year. 4,000 cans have been produced and they will be available to enjoy in the beautiful surroundings of Rufflets from this weekend."
This unique pale ale is available at Rufflets and at Futtle's brewery and tap room from Friday 14th April and we can't wait to hear what you think!
