Hijos de Rivera presents its new brand beer: Lupia, which reflects more than 20 years of commitment to the recovery of hop cultivation in Galicia. This project began in 2004 as a way of paying tribute to the founder of the company who had introduced this crop to Galicia at the beginning of the XNUMXth century, specifically in the Betanzos area. Through this project, the company materialises on the ground one of its firmest commitments, something that is part of its DNA: its commitment to its origins, to the development of its environment, in this case through the agricultural revitalization of an area that once again enjoys the cultivation of the so-called “green gold” of beer.
As part of its 'Cosecha de Galicia' initiative, Hijos de Rivera has worked hand in hand with local researchers and farmers to reintroduce and expand the cultivation of hops in the Galician countryside, leaving a mark on the brewery's identity due to its direct involvement in the development of its raw materials, something that has now been extended to barley, for example. This effort not only guarantees the quality and authenticity of Lupia, but also represents a boost for the economic and sustainable development of the rural environment of Galicia, thanks to its close collaboration with local farmers who have decided to invest in this crop in their fields.
Lupia represents Hijos de Rivera's return to its origins, fulfilling its founder's dream of making a unique and exceptional beer with roots in its land, becoming the most tangible result of the Corporation's commitment to generating a positive impact on its origin, people, its allies and the planet.
Made entirely with Galician hops grown by the company itself, Lupia thus becomes the third brand of Hijos de Rivera, joining the Estrella Galicia and Cervezas 1906 family.
Ignacio Rivera, president of the Children of Rivera Corporation, pointed out during the presentation of the new brand during the hop harvest that “Lupia is much more than a beer, it is the culmination of a project that has kept us working in the field for the last 20 years with the conviction that this crop would bring a unique value to our beers and our land. This is where the authenticity that Lupia breathes, our third beer brand, the one that best expresses the full potential of hops, comes from.”
Galician hop recovery project
The recovery of hop cultivation by Hijos de Rivera began in 2004, as a tribute to Estrella Galicia to its founder and pioneer of its cultivation in Spain, Jose Maria Rivera Corral, with the first commemorative harvest taking place on the Company's Centenary in 2006.
Currently, through Cosecha de Galicia, it develops its production, innovation and research projects on hop cultivation based on a collaboration model with other experienced entities such as the Mabegondo Agricultural Research Centre (CIAM) and local farmers.
The project currently has almost 11 hectares of crops, where the following varieties are grown: Nugget, Magnum, Perle, Sladek, Merkur, Cascade, Admiral, as well as Zeus and Triple Pearl, with interesting results in their evolution.
This project to revive hop cultivation in Galicia also aims to improve crops in terms of sustainability through various initiatives to reuse plant waste, as well as studies to optimise their adaptability to the environment.
Lupia, a new home-grown beer
Lupia is presented in two varieties that capture the essence of the Galician land, Nugget and Magnum. Lupia Herbal Nugget will have 4,8% alcohol, and will be available in a 33cl returnable bottle format in the hospitality channel and in a 33cl can (NoPack) in the food channel, and through the online platform. bigcrafters.com. For its part, Lupia Floral Magnum will also have 4,8% alcohol, and will be available exclusively in a 33cl can (NoPack) in the food channel, and through the online platform bigcrafters.com.
Lupia Herbal Nugget tasting note: a beer with history
Lupia's Nugget represents the most abundant and characteristic hop variety of the company's fields in Galicia. It stands out for a profile that combines herbal, spicy, woody and citrus notes. Inspired by the historic rebellion of the Pilsen tavern owners in 1838 to improve the quality of beer, Nugget takes the Czech Premium Pale Lager style as a reference.
This beer with a bright light golden colour and consistent white foam stands out for the dominant presence of the smell of Galician hops with herbal and spicy aromas, complemented by woody and citrus notes that provide freshness. In each drop, the balance between the pale malts and the flavour of the hops offer a clean and refreshing beer.
The brewing process is a tribute to the brewing tradition, using water from A Coruña, selected malts (Pilsen, Vienna, Acid, Caramunich III, and Smoked), and Lager yeast from Hijos de Rivera. This combination of local ingredients and the exclusive use of Galician Nugget hops result in a beer ideal for enjoying at a temperature of 4-5ºC.
Tasting notes of Lupia Magnum: from Germany to Galicia
Lupia's Magnum is made with hops harvested from Abegondo, which has a high percentage of bitter resins in the year 2023. It stands out for its citrus and floral aromas, which provide freshness to this top-fermented beer in the style of the city of Cologne. It is a straw-yellow beer, bright and completely transparent, which generates a creamy white foam that lasts a long time.
Despite being made with Ale yeast, it is fermented at low temperatures, which gives it light fruity notes that, together with the profile of the Magnum hops from Abegondo, highlight a fresh citrus flavour. In addition, in order to enhance its hop aromas, dry hop during the last days of maturation. The use of Magnum hops harvested in Galicia results in a beer ideal for enjoying at a temperature of 4-5ºC.
