MALT:
All the sugar derived for brewing is obtained from the pre-crushed malt supplied to the FILO. The malted barley is supplied in three types, pale, crystal and chocolate, the combination of which determines the colour and 'maltiness' of the beer. The only exception to this is the roasted barley (which has no sugar content)which is added to the Cardinal to create its rich, dark colour.

HOPS:
The hops arrive from the hop farm sealed in vacuum packed bags which guarantee the quality of the hop. The hop essentially gives the beer its bitterness, dryness and aroma which is also determined by the type of hop used. The FILO uses two principal types, Fuggles and Goldings, both of which are classic hops from the south of England. The FILO Gold premium ale is brewed with a third mystery hop. A prize if you can guess what it is?

LIQUOR:
Hastings is extremely fortunate with its water quality and the supply company is always pleased to advise on the mineral constituents. The liquor is 'burtonised' (the mineral content is balanced) in a way that suits the beer to be brewed.

YEAST:
The FILO has its own unique yeast culture which is kept in storage at a yeast bank. However, due to the uncertainties and sequence of brewing, the FILO has begun to use a proprietary dry ale yeast which has proved to be remarkably successful and has not diminished the quality of the brewed beer.

Note
As in the best German tradition, all FILO beers contain only the four essential ingredients; Malt, Hops, Water and Yeast.