Smaragd Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Smaragd, which translates to "Emerald" in German, is a distinguished variety representing the refined evolution of the Hallertau lineage. Released in 2000 by the Hüll Hop Hop Research Institute, it was bred from Hallertauer Gold to provide a more disease-resistant alternative for the Hallertau growing region. This "Noble-plus" cultivar was specifically engineered to preserve the sophisticated essence of its ancestry while introducing the agricultural robustness required for modern sustainable farming. Because it balances high-quality bittering potential with pleasant aromatic traits, Smaragd has become a prized dual-purpose workhorse for brewers who value both chemical purity and traditional soul.

The sensory profile of Smaragd is a masterclass in clean, fruit-inflected herbal complexity. It leads with a primary, "polished" bouquet of dried flowers, fresh-cut hay, and sweet clover, followed by a subtle, creamy fruitiness reminiscent of ripe melon and lemon peel. As the profile develops, brewers will find a sophisticated spicy backbone—defined by notes of black tea and noble earth—that remains exceptionally smooth on the palate. Thanks to its remarkably low cohumulone levels, Smaragd delivers a velvety, non-lingering bitterness and a crisp, refreshing finish, making it the definitive choice for imparting a bright German character with a unique, modern fruity elegance.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Smaragd, the best alternatives are Hallertau, Spalter Select, or Tettnanger.

At A Glance

Profile Herbal, Dried Flowers, Fresh-Cut Hay, Sweet Clover, Ripe Melon, Lemon Peel, Spicy, Black Tea, Earthy
Purpose Aroma
Alpha Acid 4.0 - 6.5%
Substitutes Hallertau, Spalter Select, Tettnanger
Pairs with Hallertauer Tradition (to ground the fruitiness with earth), Hersbrucker (for a classic/integrated European profile), Saphir (to amplify citrus notes)
Beer Styles German Pilsner, Helles, Altbier, Kölsch, Hefeweizen, Belgian Ale

General Information

Country Germany
Aliases Emerald, German Emerald
Storage Stability
Retains 60 - 70% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 4.0 - 6.5%
Beta Acid 3.5 - 5.5%
Cohumulone 13.0 - 18.0%
Total Oil 1.0 - 1.8 ml/100g
Myrcene 20.0 - 40.0%
Humulene 30.0 - 50.0%
Caryophyllene 9.0 - 14.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool 0.7 - 1.1%
Geraniol ~0.3%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,650 - 1,900 lbs/acre
Maturity Mid season
Resistant Powdery Mildew (high), Downy Mildew (high)
Tolerant Aphid
Susceptible Verticillium Wilt
Growth Rate High
Cones Medium-sized, oval, and very dense with high lupulin saturation
Ease of Harvest Excellent; specifically selected for its suitability for modern mechanical picking and its resilienc
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium-dark green
Side Arm Length 20" - 30"

Smaragd Aroma/Flavor Profile

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Black Tea Clover Dried Flowers Earthy Fresh-cut Hay Herbal Lemon Peel Melon Spicy
Variety Name
Hallertau Hallertauer Tradition Hersbrucker Saphir Spalter Select Tettnanger
Beer Style
Altbier Belgian Ale German Pilsner Hefeweizen Helles Kolsch
Usage
Aroma
Origin
Germany
Breeding/Supplier
Hop Research Institute
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-02 18:24:57
Source(s)

Hops Catalog

Navigating This Profile
  • The Stats: Use the Purpose and Alpha % to understand the hop's bitterness and aromatic strength.
  • Discovery Tags: Scroll down to find clickable tags for Flavor, Origin, and Usage.
  • The Network: Click any tag (like #Citrus or #New Zealand) to instantly view every other hop in our catalog that shares that trait.
Discovery Tag Spotlight

  • #Pine (West Coast Classic)

    Kick off the weekend with a classic. Think forest floors and fresh resin. These hops provide that iconic, "crispy" evergreen aroma that defined the original American IPA. Explore #Pine Hops!
Recently added hops
Did you know?
  • Dwarf variety hops grow shorter in height than traditional varieties but, importantly, produce the same yield. This combination makes harvest easier.
Explanations
  • Storage: is based on the percentage of alpha acids remaining after 6 months at 20*F.
  • Oil composition percetages are based on the total percentage of oil in the hop. Example: 10 - 20% means that for the specific oil it is 10 - 20% of the overall oil make up.