A brew of joy

As soon as I saw the headline — “Probably the best resident-brewed beer in the world” — I knew I had to dig deeper. There was something instantly heart-warming and quietly radical about the idea of older adults, including those living with dementia, coming together to grow hops, brew beer, and celebrate life through craft and community.

In a story that proves age is no barrier to innovation, residents of St Monica Trust retirement villages and care homes have brewed something truly special: their own beer, which was launched at the Trust’s centenary celebration event, HopsFest.

The beverage is a product of a year-long journey filled with laughter, teamwork, and purpose. The hops used in the beer were planted, nurtured, and harvested by residents of all abilities, including those living with dementia. From designing the label to writing care plans for the hops, every step was infused with creativity and care. At Garden House Care Home, residents even held a handbell concert to “wake” the hops when they were first planted.

Caroline Drewell, a resident at Westbury Fields, captured the essence of the experience: “It didn’t matter how many you picked or how fast, everyone was contributing and helping each other, with plenty of laughter and chatting. Best of all, it’s so rewarding to have this lovely beer to show for our efforts.”

The initiative, called Hoppiness Brews, is a collaboration between St Monica Trust and Alive Activities, supported by Bristol-based brewery Wiper and True. It was designed to promote healthy ageing through gardening, brewing, and shared memories. The result is not only a delicious beer but a powerful example of inclusion, empowerment, and community spirit.

Sean Davey, head of innovation delivery at St Monica Trust, described the emotional moment of delivering the hops to the brewery: “Knowing all the love, time and effort that our residents and gardening team have put in to growing them — it was incredibly moving.”

The beer, aptly named “Hundred Not Out,” is now available in the Trust’s restaurants and cafés, and through Wiper and True’s website. All proceeds will be reinvested to help other care homes experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of brewing their own beer.

Hoppiness Brews shows how older adults, regardless of ability, can contribute meaningfully, learn new skills, and share their wisdom. As the initiative expands, it aims to be accessible to care homes of all sizes and resources, proving that with a little creativity, community, and hops, anything is possible.

A heartfelt congratulations to all the residents, the brewery team, and St Monica Trust as it proudly marks its 100th anniversary this year.

Rodney Jack, editor, Food & Drink Technology.

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