Sussex Hops
AromaAlpha 4.0 - 6.0%United Kingdom
Flavor & aroma
Sussex is a fascinating "chance find" that proves nature is sometimes the best hop breeder. Discovered in 2005 by Peter Cyster on the Gate Court farm in Northiam, a site that has been cultivating hops since at least 1900, this variety was literally plucked from a hedgerow. While most hops are the result of rigorous laboratory crosses, Sussex is believed to be a unique, open-pollinated dwarf hop that emerged wildly in the English countryside.
Propagated by Cyster after he noticed its promising growth habits, Sussex has become a celebrated "terroir" hop. It represents the historic growing conditions of Southern England so perfectly that it was famously championed by Harvey’s Brewery for their "Sussex Wild Hop" series. It is a vigorous, dwarf-habit plant that tells a story of traditional brewing revived through a lucky discovery in the brambles.
If you can't find Sussex, the best alternatives are Fuggle, Progress, or Whitbread Golding.
At A Glance
| Profile | Grass, Mint, Lemon Zest, Tropical Undertones, Herbal, Blackberry, Fresh-Cut Hay |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Aroma |
| Alpha Acid | 4.0 - 6.0% |
| Substitutes | Fuggle, Progress, Whitbread Golding |
| Pairs with | Admiral (to provide a sturdier bittering backbone), Fuggle (to deepen the earthiness), Styrian Golding (for added honey/floral notes) |
| Beer Styles | English Pale Ale, Best Bitter, Mild |
General Information
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Alias | Gate Court |
| Storage Stability | Good |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 4.0 - 6.0% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 2.5 - 3.0% |
| Cohumulone | 29.0 - 32.0% |
| Total Oil | 0.4 - 0.6 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 19.0 - 27.0% |
| Humulene | 19.0 - 27.0% |
| Farnesene | < 1.0% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | Good |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Mid-to-Late season |
| Resistant | Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew |
| Tolerant | Verticillium Wilt |
| Growth Rate | High |
| Cones | Medium-sized and relatively easy to manage |
| Ease of Harvest | High; its dwarf-habit growth makes it easier to manage on 10-12 foot wirework compared to traditiona |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Medium green |
| Side Arm Length | 15" - 25" |
- 2026-03-23 19:20:19