At Peaceful Side Brewery, we love brewing beers that reflect the flavors and ingredients of our region. Our latest creation, Farm Road Pale Ale, is a collaboration with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) Hopyard, and it’s packed with fresh, local ingredients grown right here in East Tennessee.
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The Recipe: A Blend of Tradition and Local Flavor
Our head of brewery operations, Chris Meadows, developed the recipe for Farm Road Pale Ale using the following ingredients:
- 350 lbs Carolina Malt 2-row barley
- 55 lbs Malteurop C40 (Caramel Malt)
- 13 lbs Weyermann Acidulated Malt
- Lallemand Nottingham yeast
The goal was to feature two key ingredients: regionally grown 2-row barley from Carolina Malt House and fresh Cascade hop cones from the UTIA Hopyard in Alcoa, TN. “I wanted to create a beer that showcases the amazing local ingredients we have access to,” says Meadows. “Using the fresh Cascade hops from UTIA was a perfect way to add a uniquely East Tennessee flavor to the beer.”
The base style is inspired by an English pale ale and an Extra Special Bitter, both of which allow the malt and hops to shine through. The caramel malt gives Farm Road Pale Ale its golden hue and a slight sweetness, while the acidulated malt helps balance the pH for an ideal mash.
Brewing Process: Maximizing Hop Flavor
To get the most flavor out of the local Cascade hops, Meadows employed a brewing technique called first wort hopping, where the hops are added early during the mash process. “The hops we received from UTIA were incredibly fresh, so I wanted to extract as much of their oils and aromas as possible,” says Meadows. “First wort hopping really allows those citrusy and earthy notes from the Cascade hops to stand out.”
After a 45-minute mash rest, Meadows boiled the wort for 70 minutes. After letting the wort chill, he then added Nottingham yeast, a neutral British strain that enhances the malt and hops without overwhelming them with other flavors. “I chose a neutral yeast because I wanted the focus to be on the hops and malt,” he explains.
Supporting Tennessee's Craft Brewing Community
The UTIA Hopyard, located at the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, is a collaborative effort to support Tennessee’s craft brewing industry by growing and studying hops. Dr. Mitchell Richmond, who leads the UT Hops program, is excited about how the hopyard is progressing: “Our goal is to provide Tennessee growers and brewers with reliable data and hands-on experience growing hops in a challenging Southern environment.”
The first harvest took place in late August, and the UTIA team has already seen promising results. “Working with local breweries like Peaceful Side helps us understand what the brewing community needs in terms of hop varieties and production techniques,” says Richmond. “We’re excited to continue supporting Tennessee brewers and seeing how locally grown hops can enhance the state’s craft beer scene.”
A Passion for Brewing and Collaboration
Chris Meadows, who has been in the brewing industry since 2008, is always looking for new ways to innovate and collaborate. “I’ve been fortunate to work with so many talented people over the years,” says Meadows. “Getting to work with UTIA and the local farming community is another step in learning how to make better beer and support the local industry at the same time.”
Meadows’ background includes roles at SweetWater Brewing Company and Yee-Haw Brewing, as well as teaching at Knoxville’s Brewing & Distilling Center. His passion for education and innovation has been a driving force in his brewing career. “I’m always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of what we can do as brewers,” he says. “Collaborating with the UTIA Hopyard is a perfect example of that.”
Visit Peaceful Side Brewery
You can try Farm Road Pale Ale and other locally inspired beers at Peaceful Side Brewery, located at 106 Everett Ave., Maryville, TN. Our taproom features a full kitchen, so you can enjoy a great meal while sampling our wide range of craft beers—all brewed on-site in our production brewery. We’re proud to be part of the East Tennessee brewing community and look forward to sharing our passion for local ingredients with you. Cheers!
The Summary
The Summary:
Farm Road Pale Ale is a new, limited-time brew from Peaceful Side Brewery, crafted by Chris Meadows using locally grown ingredients, including Carolina Malt House’s 2-row barley and fresh Cascade hops from the UTIA Hopyard in Alcoa, TN. The beer blends English pale ale and Extra Special Bitter styles, with a golden hue, light sweetness, and citrusy hop notes. The UTIA Hopyard supports Tennessee’s craft beer industry by growing and researching hops for local brewers. Visit Peaceful Side Brewery in Townsend to try Farm Road Pale Ale—available for a short time while it lasts—along with a meal from our full kitchen!