A variety brimming with pineapple and peach flavours is the hop of the year for the second time.

Hawkins Farming’s Harlequin took the title at the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) British Hop Awards.

Brewers on the judging panel selected Harlequin as the standout hop, reaffirming its status as a pioneering variety.

Harlequin was developed by Malvern-based hop merchant Charles Faram and crafted to enable UK growers to compete with the popular New World hop varieties from the USA and New Zealand. The aim is to give more intense flavours and choices for British brewers, particularly for styles like New England IPAs and India Pale Ales.

Hawkins Farming owner Sarah Hawkins said: "We are absolutely thrilled to once again secure this prestigious award. Winning is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone at Hawkins Farming and it brings us immense joy and pride, especially for Matt and his exceptional team, which has invested an incredible amount of hard work and effort into cultivating these beautiful hops."

As part of the celebration, Renegade Brewing hosted the awards ceremony and created a cask beer with the winning hop, aptly named Harlequin.

Renegade head brewer Will Twomey said: "As a brewer and lover of cask beer, it was a great honour to be asked to brew a beer with this year's champion hop."

Pictured, from left, Hawkins Farming’s Philip Fergus, Sarah Hawkins and Matt Bailey.