TOP DROP: Rostrevor Hop Gardens manager Allan Monshing and master brewer John Cozens inspect the first hops for the Crown Ambassador Reserve Lager.

MYRTLEFORD hosted beer-brewing royalty on Tuesday, as brewers descended on Rostrevor Hop Garden to select and pick hops for a premium beer.

Specially selected Galaxy hops will be used in the third vintage of Crown Ambassador Reserve Lager set for release in August.

Rostrevor Hop Gardens have been growing the variety, renowned for its fruity aroma, since 1994.