Hops Are A Wicked And Pernicious

This remark is attributed to Henry VIII and is sometimes cited in connection with a 1530s royal proclamation against the growing use of hops in English ale. Hops had been introduced to England from the Netherlands in the 15th century and were gradually replacing the traditional ale-brewing herbs; Henry reportedly preferred the traditional unhopped ale. Whether or not Henry used these exact words, a 1530s proclamation did restrict the use of hops and other additives in English ale, suggesting the sentiment reflects genuine royal preferences and the cultural anxiety about foreign influences on traditional English brewing.