Vanguard

Vanguard hops possess a unique acid profile. They feature a somewhat rare balance of low alpha acid and high beta acid and an oil profile dominated by high levels of humulene and yet very low levels of cohumulone. Despite exhibiting some similarities to Hallertau Mittelfrüh, surely as a result of their close lineage, this unusual profile gives Vanguard a pronounced …

Vic Secret

Vic Secret had her first commercial harvest in 2013. Developed in 2000 in Victoria, Australia alongside sister variety Topaz, Vic Secret features elements of tropical fruit, herbs and pine with clean notes of pineapple and passionfruit. Tested abundantly by brewers, Vic Secret’s is best utilized via whirlpool and dry hopping. It is also worth noting that late kettle additions impart …

Pacifica

Bred in New Zealand, triploid aroma hop Pacifica, or Pacific Hallertau as it is sometimes known, is the result of open pollination breeding of German hop Hallertauer Mittelfrüher. The hop was released by HortResearch, New Zealand following promising brewing trials in 1994. Like Hallertauer Mittelfrüher, Pacifica is mostly known for its aromatic properties. It features moderately low cohumulone and higher …

Eroica

Despite Eroica hops enjoying a high alpha acid percentage, they are, on paper at least, overshadowed by their sister Galena. It appears this comparison is also moving them toward denouement of commercial production along with their cones being considered difficult to harvest and it’s susceptibility to Ringspot and Mosaic virus. Developed by both the Idaho and Oregon Agricultural Experiment Stations …

First Gold

First Gold is a Golding variety, bred from Whitbread Golding and a dwarf variety at Wye College in England. It was released in 1996 and has the distinction of being England’s first hedgerow hop. For brewers, it is useful in just about any style. Exceptionally versatile, First Gold can be added at any point in the boil in addition to …

Fuggle

The Fuggle hop originates in England and was first discovered in 1861 in a hop yard owned by George Stace in Kent. Some 14 years later it was officially named and introduced by Richard Fuggle of Benchley in 1875. Similar to a Styrian Golding, is noted for its distinct European aroma and has enjoyed a long, versatile run. At its …

Golding (BC)

British Columbia Golding is produced, as one might expect, in Canada. Before the hops industry was fully established in the Pacific Northwest, BC Golding was the only North American-grown Golding. Its alphas are low so it’s bittering capacity is mild at best while it puts forward an earthy aroma profile and flavors of smooth, rounded spice. BC Golding makes a …

Calicross

New Zealand’s Calicross emerged in the 1960’s and by-and-large disappeared by the 1980’s. Born out of a dire need for disease resistant varieties, Calicross was created as a cross between Fuggle and Late Cluster – the later being the crop decimated in the late 1940’s by Black Root Rot. Developed by New Zealand’s then Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, …

California Cluster

Generally considered to be indistinguishable from other Cluster varieties, California Cluster is a true dual use hop. Used prolifically by US brewers in the early-to-mid 1900’s, Clusters were widely available and cheap – providing a generic but pleasant bitterness and flavor. California Cluster’s exact lineage is vague. The name itself is also representative of a number of different Cluster varieties. …