Opus™ is a masterful aromatic symphony designed to provide brewers with a balanced and multi-dimensional "New World" hop experience from a classic source. Developed as a sister to the Emperor® variety in the United Kingdom by Charles Faram, this hop was initially bred in 2013 and released commercially in 2016. While many British varieties lean toward traditional spice and earth, Opus™ focuses on a specific chemical fingerprint that delivers the saturated tropical profile often associated with modern hybrids. It is a premier choice for brewers who demand a complex, layered hop presence that can serve as the primary aromatic driver in fruit-forward styles while benefiting from a polished and consistent character.
The sensory profile of Opus™ is a sophisticated arrangement of vibrant tropical fruit and bright, refreshing citrus. It leads with a primary, "saturated" bouquet of ripe pineapple, mango, and passionfruit, followed by a secondary layer of zesty lime and sweet grapefruit. As the profile develops, brewers will find a refined herbal "dankness" and a subtle floral undertone that adds a crisp, professional edge. Because of its remarkably low cohumulone levels and high essential oil saturation, Opus™ shines specifically in late additions. It delivers a smooth, non-clashing bitterness and a lush, "fruit-salad" finish that stands out even in complex malt bills.
If you can't find Opus, the best alternatives are Calypso™, Citra®, Mosaic®, or Sultana™.
| Profile | Tropical Fruit, Citrus, Pineapple, Mango, Passionfruit, Lime Zest, Sweet Grapefruit, Herbal Dankness, Floral |
| Purpose | Aroma |
| Alpha Acid | 5.0 - 8.0% |
| Substitutes | Calypso™, Citra®, Mosaic®, Sultana™ |
| Pairs with | Lotus™ (to add a creamy orange top-note), Sultana™ (to amplify the pineapple and resin), Trident™ (to deepen the multi-variety fruit complexity) |
| Beer Styles | Hazy India Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, Tropical Stout, Session India Pale Ale, Wheat Ale |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Alias | Experimental CF182 |
| Storage Stability |
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| Alpha Acid | 5.0 - 8.0% |
| Beta Acid | 6.0 - 8.0% |
| Cohumulone | 20.0 - 25.0% |
| Total Oil | 1.5 - 2.5 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 40.0 - 55.0% |
| Humulene | 15.0 - 20.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 5.0 - 10.0% |
| Farnesene | < 1.0% |
| Linalool | 0.6 - 1.0% |
#Tropical-Fruit (Vacation in a Glass)
Mid-week escape. Looking for massive notes of mango, pineapple, or passionfruit? These hops are the stars of hazy pales and juicy NEIPAs. Explore #Tropical-Fruit Hops!