Hersbrucker Pure Hops

AromaAlpha 4.7 - 6.4%Germany

Hersbrucker Pure is an intriguing and refined "lost chapter" of German hop cultivation, bridging the gap between old-world European elegance and mid-century brewing history. Developed by the Hop Research Center in Hüll, Germany, and released in 1982, this variety combines the prestigious noble DNA of Hallertau and Saaz with a hardy, German wild hop. It was originally championed and sponsored by Anheuser-Busch Inc. as a high-performance, disease-resistant replacement for standard Hersbrucker in their premium lagers. However, when corporate interest in the project waned, the variety slipped out of the commercial limelight. Today, Hersbrucker Pure stands as a prized, connoisseur-level heirloom hop that delivers a technically precise and authentic continental performance.

The profile of Hersbrucker Pure is an aristocratic, gentle tapestry woven from the traditional elements of the European countryside. It opens with an unhurried, dominant primary bouquet of fresh summer wildflowers, sweet chamomile tea, and garden-fresh herbs, which transitions smoothly into a sophisticated secondary layer of fine baking spice, new hay, and a light, woody cedar undertone. Completely isolated from the sharp citrus or heavy, resinous dankness of contemporary hybrids, Hersbrucker Pure is anchored by its balance, soft-spoken clarity, and lack of assertiveness. On the tongue, it imparts an exceptionally transparent flavor and a silky, polite bitterness, making it the definitive selection for brewers looking to construct subtle, highly sessionable lagers and continental ales where crisp drinkability is paramount.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Hersbrucker Pure, the best alternatives are Hallertau, Hersbrucker, Liberty, Mount Hood, or Ultra.

At A Glance

ProfileFresh Wildflowers, Chamomile Tea, Garden Herbs, Baking Spice
PurposeAroma
Alpha Acid4.7 - 6.4%
SubstitutesHallertau, Hersbrucker, Liberty, Mount Hood, Ultra
Pairs withLiberty (to highlight a sweet/honeyed floral lift), Saaz (to amplify the fine/peppery continental spice), Vanguard (to reinforce a clean/herbal-woody foundation)
Beer StylesGerman Pilsner, Munich Dunkel, Munich Helles, Belgian Dubbel, Belgian Tripel, Witbier, Weissbier, Hefeweizen, Cask Bitter

General Information

Country
Germany
Storage Stability
Retains 60 - 70% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
4.7 - 6.4%
Beta Acid
2.0 - 3.4%
Cohumulone
20.0 - 28.0%
Total Oil
0.6 - 1.2 ml/100g
Myrcene
24.0 - 59.0%
Humulene
9.4 - 27.0%
Caryophyllene
3.8 - 11.0%
Farnesene
0.1 - 1.0%
Linalool
0.4 - 0.6%
Geraniol
< 0.2%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,330 - 1,600 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid Season
Resistant
Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, Verticillium Wilt
Growth Rate
Fair to Good / Moderate
Cones
Medium-sized, oval, and moderately dense. The cones display a deep green hue and house a pale yellow
Ease of Harvest
Difficult; Hersbrucker Pure can be temperamental to pick mechanically due to its compact side-arms a
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Side Arm Length
12" - 20" (Short to Medium)

Discovery Tags

Usage

Origin

Breeding/Supplier

Last Updated
  • 2026-05-16 14:55:07