Jester™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

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

Profile Grapefruit Peel, Lychee, Blackcurrant, Wild Berries, Wood, Spice, Herbal, Resin
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 7.0 - 9.0%
Substitutes Cascade, Challenger, Olicana®, Summit™
Pairs with Admiral (to provide a firm/traditional bittering backbone), Mosaic® (for a complex fruit medley), Olicana® (its sister variety)
Beer Styles Pale 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

Flavor/Aroma
Blackcurrant Grapefruit Herbal Lychee Resin Spice Wild Berry Wood
Variety Name
Admiral Cascade Challenger Mosaic Olicana Summit
Beer Style
Amber Ale Golden Ale India Pale Ale Pale Ale Traditional English Bitter
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
United Kingdom
Breeding/Supplier
Charles Faram
Last Updated
  • 2026-05-11 09:02:41
Source(s)

Hops Catalog

Navigating This Profile
  • The Stats: Use the Purpose and Alpha % to understand the hop's bitterness and aromatic strength.
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Discovery Tag Spotlight

  • #Earthy (Grounded Brew)

    Get back to nature. These varieties bring cedar, tobacco, and herbal notes to the table—perfect for classic English Bitters and rustic Saisons. Explore #Earthy 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.