Relax Hops: Profile & Substitutions
Description
Relax has a low alpha content but high beta and oil content, making it a great for Relax is a groundbreaking variety from Germany’s Hüll Hop Research Center, designed to redefine the traditional utility of the hop plant. Originally bred for use in herbal teas due to its refreshing and calming profile, it is a near-zero alpha variety that is virtually useless for bittering but invaluable for its aromatic properties. Relax is prized for its high beta-acid and total oil content, making it a "wellness-focused" powerhouse. While it has found a niche in the craft beer world—particularly for alcohol-free brews and late-kettle additions—its primary legacy remains in the production of high-quality hop teas and therapeutic supplements where its gentle, soothing character can truly shine.
The sensory profile of Relax is the embodiment of tranquility—soft, herbal, and profoundly floral. It leads with a primary, "meadow-like" bouquet of cornflower, lemongrass, and hibiscus, followed by a sophisticated sweetness reminiscent of honeydew melon. As the profile develops, brewers and tea-makers will find secondary notes of rose petals, lavender, and chamomile layered over a background of fresh lemon balm. Because it provides zero perceptible bitterness, Relax allows its "pure" essential oil character to dominate the palate. It is the definitive choice for those seeking a floral elegance that promotes a sense of well-being without the aggressive resin or spice of traditional hops.
Substitution Tip
If you can't find Relax,
the best alternatives are
Hallertau or Monroe.
At A Glance
|
Profile
|
Herbal, Floral, Rose Petal, Lavender, Sweet Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Fresh-Cut Grass, Mint |
|
Purpose
|
Aroma |
|
Alpha Acid
|
0.3 - 1.0% |
|
Substitutes
|
Hallertau, Monroe |
|
Pairs with
|
botanicals like Dried Hibiscus and Lavender, Hallertau (for more herbal depth), Saphir (to add a citrus lift) |
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Beer Styles
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Low-Alcohol Beer, Herbal Ale, Hop Tea, Non-Alcoholic Beverages |
General Information
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Country
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Germany |
|
Storage Stability
|
Fair to good |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
|
Alpha Acid
|
0.3 - 1.0% |
|
Beta Acid
|
1.0 - 3.0% |
|
Cohumulone
|
10.0 - 15.0% |
|
Total Oil
|
2.0 - 3.0 ml/100g |
|
Myrcene
|
20.0 - 35.0% |
|
Humulene
|
30.0 - 45.0% |
|
Caryophyllene
|
10.0 - 15.0% |
|
Farnesene
|
< 1.0% |
|
Linalool
|
0.2 - 0.5% |
|
Total Polyphenols
|
6.0 - 8.0% |
|
Xanthohumol
|
~0.2% |
Growth & Cultivation
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Yield
|
Modrate |
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Maturity
|
Mid-season |
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Growth Rate
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Moderate |
|
Cones
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Medium-sized, relatively loose, and exceptionally rich in lupulin glands that are clear and highly a |
|
Ease of Harvest
|
Good; the plant is structurally efficient for mechanical picking, though its low biomass means it is |
|
Sex
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Female |
|
Leaf Color
|
Medium green |
|
Side Arm Length
|
12" - 20" |
Last Updated
Source(s)
Hops Catalog