Shinshuwase

Grown exclusively in Japan, Shinshuwase is a high yielding aroma hop. It dates back to the early 1900’s, possibly earlier. While it still exists, it has largely been replaced by Kirin II, Toyomidori, Kitamidori and Eastern Gold as a commercial crop. A cross between Saaz and open pollinated White Vine, Shinshuwase was originally used as a bittering hop, but after …

Spalter Select

Released in 1993, Spalter Select was bred in Hüll, Germany in an effort to increase yield potential and disease resistant and serve as a commercial replacement for Spalt. These efforts were quite successful. The result of a cross of Spalt and Hallertau Mittelfrüher, Spalter Select retains some of the finer characteristics of both these varieties and is considered a slightly …

Sterling

Sterling was successfully bred to overcome Saaz’s susceptibility to mildew. Developed over 8 years in Corvallis, Oregon it was released in 1998. Sterling’s oil content is rather unusual with both very high farnesene and very low carophyllene. This creates a delicately spiced, citrusy aroma with both a floral and herbal punch. Sterling’s heritage is complex too and is the result …

Tettnanger

Selected from an old German landrace, Tettnanger is grown the world over. Swiss, US and Australian varieties can be found on the market today though some foreign versions labeled “Tettnanger” are actually a hybridized mix with Fuggle and not considered a true Tettnanger hop. Tettnanger is grown around its native village of Tettnang in southwest Germany and in small quantities …

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 …

Saaz (US)

Despite exhibiting a low yield, Saaz (US) is a popular commercial aroma variety and is used in many US beers today. Bred from the original centuries-old Czech Saaz variety, it carries the same noble qualities but with some subtle differences. Its flavor and aroma profile is mild, earthen and spicy and its alpha is slightly higher than its Czech twin. …

Lubelska

Often thought to be a Polish hop, Lubelska actually originates in Zatec, Czechia. Sometimes marketed as Lublin or Lubelski, Lubelska’s high humulene content is trumped only by its rare, high levels of farnesene. This oil profile results in interesting aromas of magnolia and lavender. It is considered to very noble-like in character. Thought to be a landrace cultivar of Saaz, …

Saaz

Officially registered in 1952, the original Saaz, or Czech Saaz as it is sometimes known, has established itself as a staple variety for brewers and dates back more than 700 years. Originating in Zatec, Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) it is an esteemed red-bine variety that is now grown around the world. New Zealand in particular has embraced …