Omega Hops

Omega is a distinguished English aroma hop that represents a historic "swansong" for one of the world’s most prestigious breeding programs. Developed at Wye College in England by the legendary Dr. R.A. Neve just before he stepped down as head of the Hop Section, Omega was released in 1984. A cross between Challenger and a wild English male, it was engineered to provide brewers with a high-alpha aroma variety that retained the refined elegance of classic European landrace hops. While its lower yields have prevented it from becoming a commercial giant, its excellent resistance to Verticillium Wilt and exceptional storage stability make it a prized find for traditionalists.

The sensory profile of Omega is a masterclass in traditional English character, blending deep herbal notes with a refined floral sweetness. It leads with a primary, "rustic" bouquet of dried hay, wildflower honey, and earthy spice/[tag], followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of woodsy resin and subtle blackcurrant. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant, clean bitterness and a hint of [tag]apricot that remains smooth and substantial on the palate. Despite being an aroma-focused hop, its remarkably high alpha content for its era provides a firm structural foundation and a crisp, lingering finish. It is the definitive choice for an authentic, "Old World" depth in classic British styles.