Summer Hops
AromaAlpha 4.0 - 7.0%Australia
Summer is a luminous Australian aroma variety that offers a contemporary, fruit-forward twist on a legendary lineage. Bred in 1997 by Hop Products Australia, Summer was developed as a direct descendant of the world-renowned Saaz. The goal was to meet strict European "noble" standards—refined aroma with low bitterness—while adapting the plant to thrive in the unique terroir of the Southern Hemisphere.
While it retains the low-cohumulone "DNA" of its Czech ancestors, the Australian environment has encouraged the plant to produce a significantly more vibrant oil profile. Since its release, it has become a cornerstone for brewers looking to create highly sessionable, refreshing ales and lagers. It is widely considered a "social" hop—engineered for maximum drinkability and subtle, elegant aromatics that don't overwhelm the palate.
If you can't find Summer, the best alternatives are Hallertau Blanc, Palisade®, Saaz, or Styrian Celeia.
At A Glance
| Profile | Melon, Ripe Apricot, White Peach, Black Tea, Floral, Stone Fruit, Sweet Grass |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Aroma |
| Alpha Acid | 4.0 - 7.0% |
| Substitutes | Hallertau Blanc, Palisade®, Saaz, Styrian Celeia |
| Pairs with | Cascade (to brighten the citrus notes), Ella™ (to add a floral/spice complexity), Topaz™ (for a boost in resinous fruit) |
| Beer Styles | Summer Ale, Wheat Beer, Pilsner, Saison, Blonde Ale |
General Information
| Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| Aliases | AU Summer, Australia Summer |
| Storage Stability | Retains 75% alpha acid |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 4.0 - 7.0% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 4.8 - 6.1% |
| Cohumulone | 20.0 - 25.0% |
| Total Oil | 1.4 - 2.0 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 30.0 - 50.0% |
| Humulene | 30.0 - 45.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 8.0 - 11.0% |
| Farnesene | < 1.0% |
| Linalool | ~0.5% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 1605-1784 lbs/acre |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Mid-to-late season |
| Growth Rate | High |
| Cones | Small to medium, relatively tight, and very rich in lupulin |
| Ease of Harvest | Excellent; bines are hardy and cones are resistant to shattering during mechanical processing |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Vibrant medium green |
| Side Arm Length | 20" - 30" |
- 2026-03-27 00:10:38