Sládek Hops: Profile & Substitutions
Description
Sládek, which translates to "Brewer" or "Brewmaster" in its native Czech tongue, represents the pinnacle of modern Bohemian breeding from the Hop Research Institute in Žatec. Originally registered in 1987 and officially renamed in 1994, it was developed from a cross between the delicate Saaz and the hardy Northern Brewer. This specific lineage was engineered to create a sturdier, more agriculturally resilient version of Saaz that offers improved resin content while maintaining a "Noble" soul. Now serving as a foundational mother hop to varieties like Bohemie, Sládek has become an indispensable tool for brewers seeking an authentic old-world character with a more impactful aromatic presence.
The sensory profile of Sládek is a masterclass in clean, fruit-inflected herbal complexity, perfectly balanced for traditional lagers. It leads with a primary, "Czech" bouquet of fresh-cut hay, sweet resins, and a peppery spiciness that honors its Saaz heritage. As the profile opens, brewers will find bright, modern fruity undertones of white peach, grapefruit, and ripe melon, layered over a soft floral background of chamomile and wildflowers. Thanks to its exceptionally high humulene content and low cohumulone levels, Sládek delivers a remarkably smooth, velvety bitterness and a crisp finish, making it the definitive choice for a polished, modern Bohemian character.
At A Glance
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Profile
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Fresh-Cut Hay, Sweet Resins, Peppery Spiciness, White Peach, Grapefruit, Ripe Melon, Chamomile, Wildflower |
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Purpose
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Aroma |
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Alpha Acid
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4.5 - 8.0% |
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Substitutes
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Lubelski, Perle, Saaz, Sterling, Ultra |
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Pairs with
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Agnus (for a firmer Czech bittering foundation), Premiant (for a clean/integrated European profile), Saaz (to reinforce the noble spice) |
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Beer Styles
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Bohemian Pilsner, German Lager, Belgian Ale, Wheat Beer, Saison |
General Information
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Country
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Czechia |
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Aliases
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VUCH 71, Czech Sladek |
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Storage Stability
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Retains 50% alpha acid |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
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Alpha Acid
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4.5 - 8.0% |
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Beta Acid
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4.0 - 7.0% |
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Cohumulone
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23.0 - 30.0% |
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Total Oil
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1.0 - 2.0 ml/100g |
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Myrcene
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35.0 - 45.0% |
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Humulene
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25.0 - 40.0% |
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Caryophyllene
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8.0 - 13.0% |
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Farnesene
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< 1.0% |
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Linalool
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0.4 - 0.7% |
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Geraniol
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~0.2% |
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2-Undekanone
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0.6 - 1.3% |
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Methyl 4-Decenoate
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1.0 - 1.5% |
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Methyl 4-Decenoate
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1.0 - 1.5% |
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Selinene
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0.5 - 1.5% |
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Total Polyphenols
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3.5 - 5.0% |
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Xanthohumol
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0.5 - 0.8% |
Growth & Cultivation
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Yield
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1,600 - 2150 pounds per acre |
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Maturity
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Mid to late season |
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Resistant
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Downy Mildew (high), Powdery Mildew (high) |
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Tolerant
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Regional hop viruses and pests |
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Growth Rate
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High |
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Cones
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Medium-sized, oval, and very dense with high lupulin saturation and a vibrant pale-green color |
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Ease of Harvest
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Excellent; specifically selected for its suitability for modern mechanical picking and its resilienc |
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Sex
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Female |
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Leaf Color
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Medium-dark green |
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Side Arm Length
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20" - 30" |
Sládek Aroma/Flavor Profile
Last Updated
Source(s)
Hops Catalog