Opus Hops

AromaAlpha 5.0 - 8.0%United Kingdom

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.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Opus, the best alternatives are Calypso, Citra®, Mosaic®, or Sultana.

At A Glance

ProfileTropical Fruit, Citrus, Pineapple, Mango, Passionfruit, Lime Zest, Sweet Grapefruit, Herbal Dankness, Floral
PurposeAroma
Alpha Acid5.0 - 8.0%
SubstitutesCalypso, Citra®, Mosaic®, Sultana
Pairs withLotus (to add a creamy orange top-note), Sultana (to amplify the pineapple and resin), Trident (to deepen the multi-variety fruit complexity)
Beer StylesHazy India Pale Ale, American Pale Ale, Tropical Stout, Session India Pale Ale, Wheat Ale

General Information

Country
United Kingdom
Alias
Experimental CF182
Storage Stability
Good

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

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%

Discovery Tags

Usage

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-17 15:39:47