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Smaragd Hops
AromaAlpha 4.0 - 6.5%Germany
Flavor & aroma
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.
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
- 2026-04-03 00:24:57