A Perivale-based independent craft brewery has found a creative way to deal with an invasive plant – by turning it into a tangy new beer.
Perivale Brewery, founded in 2019 and based on Horsenden Farm, has launched Knot Welcome, a sour beer made using Japanese Knotweed foraged from local canal paths. Head brewer Mike Siddell worked with the Horsenden Rangers to ensure the plant was harvested responsibly without risk of spreading.
Japanese knotweed in the mash tun.. Photo: Perivale Brewery
The 4% ABV beer is described as light and refreshing, with subtle tannic apple notes. Mr Siddell revealed: “Coming in at 4% ABV, it’s perfect for supping in the sun.”
Co-founder Christian Hardy explained: “Our head brewer Mike was told about the unwanted knotweed by the Horsenden Rangers, so he started researching how it could be used. It’s edible and has a tangy flavour, with notes of rhubarb and apple so he decided a sour beer would work well.”
Known for using local, foraged ingredients like nettles and elderflowers, Mr Siddell added: “Japanese Knotweed is another level… But I can confirm that no invasive species were spread in the making of this beer!”
Knot Welcome is on tap for £6 a pint. The brewery is open Friday to Sunday.
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AloJapan.com