Not long ago, enthusiasts foresaw a day when many San Diego beers would feature San Diego hops, the oily cones that lend beer numerous enticing flavors and aromas. When the San Diego Hop Growers Association opened in 2015, its members represented farms in Fallbrook, Valley Center, Ramona, Julian, even Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe. “Hops aren’t that hard to grow,” Phil Warren, a retired teacher told me in 2019, while harvesting several varieties in Julian.
“Our yields are lower in San Diego County, maybe three or four pounds per plant,” Brownwood said. “Plants in Oregon, Washington and Idaho may yield up to 20 pounds.” This June 15, a plea appeared on the Facebook page of the San Diego Hop Growers Association. Someone identified as the “creator/co-creator of this page” noted they were “years out of the industry and living a different life … “If anyone wants to pick up the baton? I will have your back.” There have been no further posts. Nov.