Hydra Hops

AromaAlpha 9.0 - 13.0%United States

Hydra is a high-impact aromatic powerhouse that represents the cutting edge of Midwest hop breeding. Developed and released by Great Lakes Hops, this variety was engineered to deliver a "mythical" level of aromatic complexity while maintaining the rugged resilience needed to thrive in the Great Lakes climate. True to its name, Hydra offers a multi-layered sensory experience—shifting from bright, zesty citrus to deep, resinous fruit depending on the brewhouse application. It is a versatile "juicy" hop that functions perfectly as either a standalone focal point or a complementary addition in hop-forward recipes, showcasing the unique terroir of the American heartland.

The profile of Hydra is a saturated and spirited arrangement of tropical stone fruits and zesty citrus. It leads with a primary bouquet of mandarin orange, ripe mango, and sweet melon, followed closely by a sophisticated secondary layer of grapefruit zest and a subtle, dank resinous finish. Because of its exceptionally high oil-to-alpha ratio, it imparts a "saturated" fruit sensation on the palate that is both lush and refreshing. The bitterness is clean and well-integrated, providing a transparent frame that allows the vivid fruit oils to linger through a crisp, professional finish, making it the definitive choice for brewers seeking fruit-forward clarity and intense aromatic depth.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Hydra, the best alternatives are Centennial, Chinook, Citra®, or Mosaic®.

At A Glance

ProfileMandarin Orange, Ripe Mango, Sweet Melon, Subtle Dank Resin
PurposeAroma
Alpha Acid9.0 - 13.0%
SubstitutesCentennial, Chinook, Citra®, Mosaic®
Pairs withAmarillo® (to amplify the orange/floral notes), Columbus (to provide a resinous/herbal backbone), El Dorado® (to add a candy-like sweetness)
Beer StylesNew England India Pale Ale, West Coast India Pale Ale, Pale Ale, Imperial Stout, Fruit Beers

General Information

Country
United States
Aliases
GLH-74582, Befuddlement
Storage Stability
Very Good

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
9.0 - 13.0%
Beta Acid
4.0 - 6.0%
Cohumulone
24.0 - 28.0%
Total Oil
1.5 - 2.8 ml/100g
Myrcene
45.0 - 55.0%
Humulene
15.0 - 22.0%
Caryophyllene
6.0 - 10.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%
Linalool
0.5 - 0.8%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,800 - 2,200 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid to Late Season
Growth Rate
Very High / Prolific
Cones
Medium-sized, firm, and heavily laden with golden lupulin. During the harvest window, the cones emit
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; the bines are structurally sound and handle mechanical picking with high efficiency. The
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium Green
Side Arm Length
24" - 36" (Long)

Discovery Tags

Usage

Breeding/Supplier

Last Updated
  • 2026-05-15 04:04:46