Jester Hops

Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 7.0 - 9.0%United Kingdom

Jester is the "rebel" of the British hop industry, famously developed by Charles Faram to prove that English soil could produce the vibrant, tropical profiles typically reserved for the Pacific Northwest. Released in 2013 alongside its sister variety, Olicana®, Jester was bred from Cascade genetics and specifically selected for its bold, resinous intensity. While it thrives best during warm spring seasons to reach its full potential, it has already redefined expectations for UK-grown varieties. It serves as a premier homegrown alternative for brewers seeking massive grapefruit and blackcurrant notes, bridging the gap between classic British refinement and modern "New World" power.

The profile of Jester is a punchy and sophisticated blend of zesty citrus and deep forest fruit. It leads with a primary aromatic burst of grapefruit peel and lychee, followed closely by a distinct secondary layer of blackcurrant and wild berries. Unlike traditional English varieties that lean heavily into wood and earth, Jester remains bright and fruit-dominant, though it retains a whisper of classic herbal resin that keeps the finish grounded. On the palate, it delivers a complex, "juicy" sensation with a versatile bitterness that pairs exceptionally well with both clean American yeast strains and expressive British esters.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Jester, the best alternatives are Cascade, Challenger, Olicana®, or Summit.

At A Glance

ProfileGrapefruit Peel, Lychee, Blackcurrant, Wild Berries, Wood, Spice, Herbal, Resin
PurposeDual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid7.0 - 9.0%
SubstitutesCascade, Challenger, Olicana®, Summit
Pairs withAdmiral (to provide a firm/traditional bittering backbone), Mosaic® (for a complex fruit medley), Olicana® (its sister variety)
Beer StylesPale Ale, India Pale Ale, Golden Ale, Traditional English Bitter, Amber Ale

General Information

Country
United Kingdom
Storage Stability
Retains 65 - 75% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
7.0 - 9.0%
Beta Acid
4.0 - 6.0%
Cohumulone
23.0 - 28.0%
Total Oil
0.6 - 1.2 ml/100g
Myrcene
45.0 - 50.0%
Humulene
2.0 - 3.0%
Caryophyllene
11.0 - 15.0%
Farnesene
0.1 - 2.0%
Linalool
0.4 - 0.7%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,800 - 2,200 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid to Late Season
Susceptible
Verticillium Wilt
Growth Rate
Very High / Vigorous
Cones
The cones are medium-sized, firm, and heavily laden with lupulin. During the peak of the harvest sea
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; bines are structurally sound for mechanical picking.
Sex
Female
Side Arm Length
24" - 36" (Medium to Long)

Discovery Tags

Last Updated
  • 2026-05-11 15:02:41