From Farm to Pint: Why Organic Ingredients Make Better Beer

At River Cottage, we don’t just serve beer—we tell a story. It’s a story of sustainability, flavour, and ethical brewing practices. Through our partnership with Stroud Brewery, we bring you Stinger, our signature nettle beer, made with the finest organic ingredients. 

This journey begins long before that first sip, out in the fields of stinging nettles, where organic barley, hops, and yeast come together to create a pint that’s not only great for the planet but also an absolute treat for your taste buds.

So, the real question is… why does organic beer matter?

Organic Barley: The Backbone of Better Organic Beer

Barley is the foundation of beer, providing the sugars that yeast ferments to create alcohol and body. But not all barley is created equal. At River Cottage, we support our partner, Stroud Brewery, in using organic barley grown without synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. This allows the barley to develop naturally in nutrient-rich soil, resulting in:

• Fuller, richer flavour – Organic barley develops complex sugars and proteins, enhancing mouthfeel and depth in every pint.
• Healthier ecosystems – Organic farming practices at Stroud Brewery promote biodiversity, keeping soil and waterways free from harmful chemicals.
• More sustainable beer – Unlike conventional barley farming, which relies on chemical fertilisers, organic barley helps sequester carbon in healthy soils.

Hops: The Aromatic Powerhouse in Organic Beer

Hops give beer its signature bitterness, aroma, and lovely character. But conventional hop farming is often chemically intensive. At River Cottage, we support Stroud Brewery in cultivating organic hops, grown in carefully managed fields where natural predators maintain pest control. This leads to:

• More expressive flavours – Free from chemical residues, organic hops deliver purer, brighter aromas and flavours—whether it’s citrusy zest, floral notes, or deep, resinous undertones.
• Environmental benefits – Organic hop farming at Stroud Brewery uses companion planting and cover crops to improve soil health and biodiversity, reducing water pollution and soil degradation.
• A healthier drinking experience – No synthetic pesticides mean no traces in your pint—just the full, unadulterated taste of nature.

Yeast: The Unsung Hero

Yeast is where the magic happens—converting sugars into alcohol and developing unique flavour profiles. We support Stroud Brewery in using organic yeast, cultivated without synthetic additives or GMOs, resulting in:

• A cleaner fermentation – Organic yeast is free from chemical residues, leading to a more natural and nuanced fermentation process.
• Enhanced flavour complexity – Since yeast interacts with other organic ingredients in a pure environment, it brings out the best in malt and hops, creating a well-rounded, characterful beer.

Why Organic Beer Matters: A Sustainable Choice at River Cottage

Drinking organic beer at River Cottage isn’t just about satisfying your taste buds—it’s about making a real difference. Organic farming helps protect biodiversity, reduces carbon footprints, and supports local farmers who choose long-term sustainability over quick profits. We believe that great beer should nourish both people and the planet, which is why our partnership with Stroud Brewery to brew Stinger is something we’re incredibly proud of.

So, the next time you raise a glass of Stinger, remember: you’re not just enjoying a refreshing drink; you’re joining a movement. A movement that champions sustainability, craftsmanship, and the purest ingredients nature has to offer. And let’s face it—cheersing a glass of stinging nettle beer? Now that’s pretty cool.

Where to Buy Nettle Beer: Find Stinger Beer at River Cottage

Looking for where to buy nettle beer? Stinger is available to enjoy directly at River Cottage in our dining feasts, courses, and even in our café. You can also purchase it in our shop or directly from Stroud Brewery. Discover the unique flavours of this organic nettle beer, crafted with the utmost care and sustainability by Stroud Brewery.