Hop To It: Your Guide to Hops and Their Flavors
Hops are the heart and soul of beer, giving it that distinctive aroma, flavor, and bitterness we all love. Whether you're a seasoned homebrewer or just a craft beer enthusiast, understanding hops can deepen your appreciation for every sip. In this article, we'll explore what hops are, popular varieties, and the science (and magic) behind hop additions. And guess what? You can get all your hops right from the Mr. Beer website! Plus, we have recipes crafted by our expert brewmasters featuring all your favorite hops—so you can brew the perfect pint at home.
What are hops?
Hops are the flowers (or cones) of the Humulus Lupulus plant, and they're basically the life of the beer party. These little green powerhouses contain essential oils and acids that contribute to a beer's bitterness, aroma, and flavor. Without hops, your beer would be flat, sweet, and way less exciting—so let's give them the respect they deserve!
Hops help:
- Keep beer fresher for longer (yep, they're natural preservatives!).
- Maintain a beer's head retention, enhancing aroma and mouthfeel.
- Balance the sweetness of malt with bitterness.
- Infuse beer with a wide range of flavors, from citrusy and tropical to earthy and piney.
Popular Hop Varieties and Their Characteristics
Let's take a hop-forward journey through some of the most famous varieties—all of which you can find on the Mr. Beer website!
- Origin: Developed in the USA and released in 1971, Cascade is a cornerstone of American craft brewing.
- Characteristics: Known for its versatility, Cascade is used for both bittering and aroma.
- Flavor Profile: Dominant notes of floral, citrus, and pine, with a signature grapefruit aroma.
- Common Usage: Widely used in American Pale Ales and IPAs, Cascade imparts a distinctive American hop character.
- →You might like these brews: Howling Irish Red Ale, Horse's Ass American Pale Ale, Dangerously Hoppy IPA
- Origin: Released in 1990, Centennial was named in honor of Washington State's centennial celebration.
- Characteristics: Often referred to as "Super Cascade," Centennial boasts higher alpha acids (bitterness). It's prized for its dual-purpose capabilities for both bittering and aroma.
- Flavor Profile: Offers a balanced blend of floral and citrus notes, with less emphasis on grapefruit compared to Cascade.
- Common Usage: Ideal for Pale Ales and IPAs, Centennial provides a robust hop character with balanced bitterness
- →Consider these recipes: Slipper Socks Double IPA, Thunder Bay IPA, Phil-Hop-Sophy IPA
- Origin: A relatively new variety, Citra has quickly become a favorite among brewers for its intense aromatic properties.
- Characteristics: With high alpha acids, Citra is primarily used for its intense aromatic properties rather than bittering.
- Flavor Profile: Renowned for its strong citrus aroma, including lime and grapefruit, complemented by topical fruit notes like mango and passionfruit.
- Common usage: Perdominetely featured in IPAs and Pale Ales, Citra imparts a vibrant, fruity aroma that defines many modern hop-forward beers.
- →Try these brews: Summertime Shanty, Sun Kissed Blonde Ale, Space Warrior Double IPA
- Origin: Developed in England in 1934 for Scottish & Newcastle Breweries.
- Characteristics: This dual-purpose hop has moderate to high bitterness, contributing to its versatility in brewing.
- Flavor Profile: Features a unique combination of woody, earthy tones and subtle minty and piney notes.
- Common Usage: Commonly used in English-style ales, as well as California Common (steam) beers, Northern Brewer provides a distinct, robust hop character.
- →Explore these recipes: On The Mountain Pop Cream Ale, Shillelagh Stout, Rusky Business
- Origin: Discovered in Washington's Yakima Valley, Amarillo has become a staple in craft brewing.
- Characteristics: With a mild alpha acid content, Amarilla is valued for both bittering and aromatic purposes.
- Flavor Profile: Offers a floral, tropical, and citrus-like aroma, often described as sweet orange or tangerine, with some topical fruit nuances.
- Common Usage: Widely used in American Ales, IPAs, and Pale Ales, Amarillo contributes a bright, citrusy character that enhances hop complexity.
- →Take a look at these brews: Running With The Dev-Ale, Royal Juice NEIPA, Queensland NEIPA 5 Gallon
Time the Hop Additions: When to Toss Those Bad Boys In
The magic of hops isn't just in what they bring to the table—it's also when they crash the party. Here's how timing affects your brew:
- Bittering Hops (Added early in the boil, 45-60min) - These hops give beer its signature bite. They're like the responsible friend who keeps things balanced.
- Flavoring Hops (Added in the last 15-20 min) - Want a specific hope taste? These are your go-to.
- Aroma Hops (Final minutes or after the boil) - These give that hoppy, fragrant goodness.
Dry Hopping for Aroma
If you want to supercharge your beer's aroma without adding bitterness, dry hopping is where it's at. Toss those hops straight into the fermenter after the primary fermentation and let them work their magic. This technique is a must for hop-forward styles like IPAs.
The Secret Superpower of Hops: They're Natural Preservatives!
Fun Fact: Hops were originally used in beer to prevent spoilage before refrigeration existed. But even after the fridge came along, brewers kept adding them because—let's be honest—beer just tastes better with them!
Stock Up on Hops from Mr. Beer!
Whether you're after Cascade's citrus burst or Simcoe's piney punch, Mr. Beer has you covered. Check out our selection of high-quality hops and start crafting your perfect brew today! Want to experiment with different hops and find your favorite? We’ve got brewmaster-crafted recipes to help you explore unique flavors and brewing styles—try them out and discover the perfect hop for your next batch!
In Celebration of Our Upcoming Brew-Along!
In anticipation of our upcoming brew-along and the release of our new Sun-Kissed Blonde Ale - Hoppy Summer Edition, now's the perfect time to experiment with hops! This crisp golden ale is balanced with a touch of Cascade bitterness and a bold citrus punch from dry-hopped Citra—a refreshing companion for those sunny days by the grill. Get ready to brew along with us and experience the magic of hops firsthand!