Delta Hops

AromaAlpha 5.5 - 7.0%United States

Flavor & aroma

Delta stands as an elite, next-generation American aroma cultivar meticulously developed by the acclaimed Hopsteiner Breeding Program to modernize classical continental and English brewing traditions. Officially released to the public in 2009 under the experimental code Hopsteiner 04188, this plant was specifically engineered to serve as an agronomically superior alternative to historic varieties like Willamette and Fuggle. By crossing the revered heirloom Fuggle hop with a robust, proprietary male parent derived from Cascade, breeders successfully fused the unmatched aromatic delicacy and mild earthy restraint of old-world landraces with the high-performing agronomic yield and aggressive downy mildew tolerance required by modern growers. Built to deliver exceptional field health and an optimized structural footprint, Delta provides a crucial, highly sustainable tool for traditional ale production and clean craft lager design alike.

The profile of Delta is a highly sophisticated sensory experience that effortlessly bridges the gap between historic noble restraint and nuanced modern complexity. It yields a pristine, hoppy-fresh bouquet characterized by zesty ginger accents, dried wild herbs, and a light, floral-botanical canopy. Beneath this crisp botanical layer, the essential oil matrix reveals a beautifully rounded, subtle fruit-forward character reminiscent of sweet summer melon, fresh-picked berry patch tea, and a mild whisper of citrus orchard zest. Remarkably clean, soft, and gentle on the senses, Delta produces an elegant, refreshing perfume that seamlessly elevates traditional top-fermented ales and delicate lagers without ever drifting into sharp resinous, diesel-dank, or heavy sulfur notes.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Delta, the best alternatives are Fuggle or Willamette.

At A Glance

ProfileZesty Ginger, Summer Melon, Berry Patch Tea, Mild Citrus Zest
PurposeAroma
Alpha Acid5.5 - 7.0%
SubstitutesFuggle, Willamette
Pairs withCascade (to amplify a bright/flowery citrus top note over the noble base), Fuggle (to weave a deeply historic/rustic herbal-tea complexity), Willamette (to ground a crisp/spicy traditional German foundation)
Beer StylesAmerican Pale Ale, English Bitter, Extra Special Bitter, Session India Pale Ale, Traditional Porter, English Mild

General Information

Country
United States
Aliases
Super Willamette, Hopsteiner 04188
Storage Stability
Retains 80 - 90% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
5.5 - 7.0%
Beta Acid
5.5 - 7.0%
Cohumulone
22.0 - 24.0%
Total Oil
0.5 - 1.1 ml/100g
Myrcene
25.0 - 40.0%
Humulene
25.0 - 35.0%
Caryophyllene
9.0 - 15.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%
Linalool
0.8 - 1.2%
Xanthohumol
0.4 - 0.6%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,400 - 1,800 lbs/acre
Maturity
Medium Early Season
Tolerant
Downy Mildew
Growth Rate
High
Cones
Compact, medium-sized, dense oval structures.
Sex
Female

Delta Aroma/Flavor Profile

Aroma
Flavor
CitrusTropical FruitStone FruitApple/PearMelonBerryFloralSpicy/HerbalPineResinGrassEarthy/WoodyOnion/GarlicDank/Catty

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma

Usage

Breeding/Supplier

Last Updated
  • 2026-06-03 09:05:05