Polaris Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Polaris is a revolutionary high-alpha variety that represents the pinnacle of modern German hop breeding. Released in 2012 by the Hüll Hop Research Center, it was engineered to be a "super-hop" capable of delivering massive bittering efficiency alongside an unmistakable aromatic signature. Polaris is distinguished by its incredible essential oil content—often double that of traditional varieties—and its robust agricultural performance. It is a favorite among craft brewers who require a versatile hop that can stand up to the biggest malt bills while providing a cooling, bold, and refreshing finish that is entirely its own.

The sensory profile of Polaris is intense, multi-dimensional, and famously refreshing. It is world-renowned for its signature "ice candy" or menthol character, which provides a distinct cooling sensation on the palate. This leads a primary bouquet of sharp peppermint, wintergreen, and eucalyptus, followed by a vibrant secondary layer of green apple candy and a Hallertau-like herbal sweetness. As the profile develops, brewers will find a substantial, resinous mouthfeel and a clean, punchy bitterness. Thanks to its massive oil concentration and high alpha acids, Polaris delivers a saturated aromatic presence and a crisp finish, making it the definitive choice for a bold, "glacier-fresh" impact.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Polaris, the best alternatives are Herkules, Nugget, or Pacific Jade™.

At A Glance

Profile Ice Candy, Menthol, Sharp Peppermint, Wintergreen, Fresh Pine, Lemon Zest, Sweet Pineapple, Resinous
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 18.0 - 23.0%
Substitutes Herkules, Nugget, Pacific Jade™
Pairs with Cascade (to bridge the gap between European mint and American citrus), Mandarina Bavaria (for a citrus-mint blend), Saphir (to refine the floral notes)
Beer Styles Double India Pale Ale, Imperial Stout, Winter Warmer, Pale Ale, Modern Lager

General Information

Country Germany
Alias German Polaris
Storage Stability
Retains 80% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 18.0 - 23.0%
Beta Acid 4.5 - 6.5%
Cohumulone 22.0 - 29.0%
Total Oil 4.0 - 5.0 ml/100g
Myrcene 45.0 - 55.0%
Humulene 20.0 - 30.0%
Caryophyllene 8.0 - 13.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool 0.4 - 0.7%
B-Pinene 0.5 - 0.8%
Geraniol ~0.1%
Total Polyphenols 3.0 - 4.0%
Xanthohumol 0.6 - 0.9%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 2,200 - 2,600 lbs/acre
Maturity Late season
Resistant Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, Wilt
Growth Rate Very high

Polaris Aroma/Flavor Profile

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Lemon Zest Menthol Peppermint Pine Pineapple Resinous Wintergreen
Variety Name
Cascade Mandarina Bavaria Nugget Pacific Jade Saphir
Beer Style
Double India Pale Ale Imperial Stout Modern Lager Pale Ale Winter Warmer
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
Germany
Breeding/Supplier
Hop Research Center
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-10 18:27:54
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!
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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.