Rubin Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Rubin is a robust Czech hop that represents a successful marriage of high-alpha efficiency and traditional "Noble" character. Registered in 2007 by the Žatec Hop Research Institute, it was specifically bred from a lineage including Saaz and Northern Brewer to meet the needs of modern brewing without sacrificing aromatic quality. Its name, meaning "Ruby," refers to the striking reddish hue of its bines, a characteristic visual marker in the hop gardens of Bohemia. While technically classified for its bittering potential, Rubin is increasingly recognized as a versatile dual-purpose variety, offering a cleaner and more sophisticated profile than many traditional high-alpha cultivars.

The sensory profile of Rubin is defined by a firm, assertive bitterness complemented by a ruggedly elegant spicy character. It leads with a primary, "continental" bouquet of earthy spice and sun-dried wood, followed by subtle secondary notes of wild herbs and a hint of dark tea. As the profile develops, brewers will find a "wilder" and more intense version of the classic Saaz spiciness, providing a bitterness that is substantial yet refined. Because of its complex oil composition and Saaz-influenced genome, Rubin delivers a long, pleasant finish that integrates perfectly into heavy-bodied lagers and malt-forward ales, making it the definitive choice for a high-performance base with a genuine Bohemian soul.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Rubin, the best alternatives are Agnus, Galena, Northern Brewer, or Premiant.

At A Glance

Profile Spicy, Earthy, Sun-Dried Wood, Wild Herbs, Dark Tea
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 9.0 - 14.0%
Substitutes Agnus, Galena, Northern Brewer, Premiant
Pairs with traditional bittering punch), Agnus (for a massive, Saaz (to soften the bitterness with noble florals), Sládek (to add a fruity lift)
Beer Styles Bohemian Pilsner, Pale Lager, Baltic Porter, Stout, English Bitter

General Information

Country Czechia
Storage Stability
Good

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 9.0 - 14.0%
Beta Acid 3.5 - 6.0%
Cohumulone 25.0 - 33.0%
Total Oil 1.0 - 2.5 ml/100g
Myrcene 30.0 - 45.0%
Humulene 15.0 - 25.0%
Caryophyllene 7.0 - 10.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%.
Linalool 0.4 - 0.7%
Methyl 4-Decenoate 0.9 - 1.6%
Methyl 4-Decenoate 0.9 - 1.6%
Total Polyphenols 2.5 - 3.0%
Xanthohumol 0.5 - 0.8%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,800 - 2,400 lbs/acre
Maturity Mid to late season
Susceptible Downy Mildew (especially during wet season)
Growth Rate High
Cones Medium-sized, dense, and elongated with a high concentration of lupulin
Ease of Harvest Good; the bines are structurally sound and well-suited for mechanical picking
Sex Female
Leaf Color Dark Green
Side Arm Length 25" - 35"

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Earthy Herbal Spicy Tea Woody
Variety Name
Agnus Galena Northern Brewer Premiant Saaz Sládek
Beer Style
Baltic Porter Bohemian Pilsner English Bitter Pale Lager Stout
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
Czechia
Breeding/Supplier
Hop Research Institute
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-06 19:45:59
Source(s)

Hops Catalog

Navigating This Profile
  • The Stats: Use the Purpose and Alpha % to understand the hop's bitterness and aromatic strength.
  • Discovery Tags: Scroll down to find clickable tags for Flavor, Origin, and Usage.
  • The Network: Click any tag (like #Citrus or #New Zealand) to instantly view every other hop in our catalog that shares that trait.
Discovery Tag Spotlight

  • #Stone-Fruit (Orchard Vibe)

    Saturday is for smooth sipping. From fuzzy peach to ripe apricot, these hops add a soft, rounded sweetness to the aroma of Pale Ales and Sours. Explore #Stone-Fruit Hops!
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  • Dwarf variety hops grow shorter in height than traditional varieties but, importantly, produce the same yield. This combination makes harvest easier.
Explanations
  • Storage: is based on the percentage of alpha acids remaining after 6 months at 20*F.
  • Oil composition percetages are based on the total percentage of oil in the hop. Example: 10 - 20% means that for the specific oil it is 10 - 20% of the overall oil make up.