Solero™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Solero™ is a groundbreaking German hop that redefines the capabilities of the Hallertau growing region. Developed by the Hopsteiner Breeding Program, it was engineered from a cross between Cascade and a specialized Hopsteiner male. This pedigree bridges the gap between traditional German agricultural excellence and the high-impact tropical profiles of modern "New World" hops. While many German varieties are prized for subtle herbal notes, Solero™ was bred for intensity; its higher alpha acids and saturated oil profile make it a versatile dual-purpose powerhouse with exceptional storage stability.

The sensory profile is an explosion of tropical and citrus fruits, living up to its namesake with a remarkably "juicy" presence. It leads with a primary bouquet of ripe mango, passionfruit, and sweet pineapple, followed by bright layers of orange zest and lemon peel. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle hints of honey and a soft floral background that remains remarkably clean. Because of its low cohumulone levels and high total oil content, Solero™ delivers a smooth, non-lingering bitterness and a lush aromatic impact, making it the definitive choice for high-intensity tropical character without the "dank" notes of some American varieties.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Solero, the best alternatives are Amarillo®, Cascade, Citra®, or Mandarina Bavaria.

At A Glance

Profile Tropical Fruit, Citrus, Mango, Passionfruit, Sweet Pineapple, Orange Zest, Lemon Peel, Honey, Floral
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 9.0 - 12.0%
Substitutes Amarillo®, Cascade, Citra®, Mandarina Bavaria
Pairs with Citra® (for a massive tropical punch), Hallertau Blanc (to add a wine-like/elderflower complexity), Mandarina Bavaria (to amplify citrus)
Beer Styles India Pale Ale, Hazy India Pale Ale, Tropical Pale Ale, Modern Lager, Hoppy Wheat

General Information

Country Germany
Storage Stability
Retains 80% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 9.0 - 12.0%
Beta Acid 4.0 - 7.0%
Cohumulone 20.0 - 25.0%
Total Oil 1.5 - 2.5 ml/100g
Myrcene 40.0 - 50.0%
Humulene 15.0 - 20.0%
Caryophyllene 5.0 - 10.0%
Farnesene < 10.%
Linalool 0.6 - 1.0%
Geraniol ~0.3%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,800 - 2,200 lbs/acre
Maturity Mid to late season
Resistant Downy Mildew (high), Powdery Mildew (high)
Growth Rate High
Cones Medium-sized, oval, and very rich in golden, aromatic lupulin
Ease of Harvest Excellent; specifically selected for its suitability for modern mechanical picking and processing
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium-dark green
Side Arm Length 20" - 30"

Solero Aroma/Flavor Profile

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Citrus Floral Honey Lemon Peel Mango Orange Zest Passionfruit Pineapple Tropical Fruit
Variety Name
Amarillo Cascade Citra Hallertau Blanc Mandarina Bavaria
Beer Style
Hazy India Pale Ale Hoppy Wheat India Pale Ale Modern Lager Tropical Pale Ale
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
Germany
Breeding/Supplier
Hopsteiner
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-02 18:03:18
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

  • #Noble (Classics)

    Back to the roots. European "Noble" hops are the elegant, low-bitterness varieties that defined Pilsners and Lagers for centuries. Explore the spicy, floral heritage of the Old World. Explore #Noble 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.