Aurora Hops

Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 7.0 - 12.0%Slovenia

Bred at the Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing in Žalec, Aurora is a celebrated dual-purpose cultivar that entered the market in the 1970s as a core pillar of the region's legendary "Super Styrian" family line. A cross between Northern Brewer and a local wild TG male seedling, it was developed alongside sibling varieties like Ahil, Apolon, and Atlas to provide growers with exceptional agronomic dependability, robust spring vigor, and heavy cone yields. Because these cultivars were bred from Northern Brewer rather than a Fuggle-like lineage, they naturally possess a higher alpha-acid payload and a more intense aromatic drive than traditional Styrian Goldings. While technically distinct from old-school landraces, Aurora has earned a beloved reputation among craft brewers for delivering a highly reliable, noble-adjacent European character backed by excellent commercial utility in the brewhouse.

profile:
The sensory architecture of Aurora delivers a classic, highly refined European bouquet that perfectly bridges the gap between traditional continental elegance and modern dual-purpose efficiency. The aromatic canopy opens beautifully with a bright, uplifting fusion of fresh lemongrass, bergamot orange, and soothing herbal tea. This pristine introduction flows seamlessly into an elegant mid-palate defined by warm floral undertones and a gentle touch of spicy aniseed. Grounding this sophisticated old-world display is a clean, crisp baseline of fresh pine needles and fine earthy terroir. Because its well-balanced essential oil distribution is paired with a highly reliable, smooth bittering structure, Aurora infuses beer with a wonderfully integrated, polished finish that beautifully shapes light lagers and complements robust malt bills alike.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Aurora, the best alternatives are Bobek, Northern Brewer, Perle, or Styrian Golding.

At A Glance

ProfileBright Lemongrass, Bergamot Orange, Herbal Tea, Spicy Aniseed, Fresh Pine Needle, Floral, Earthy Terroir
PurposeDual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid7.0 - 12.0%
SubstitutesBobek, Northern Brewer, Perle, Styrian Golding
Pairs withBobek (to smoothly round out the herbal core with soft/floral sweetness and a delicate earthiness that honors classic Slovenian profiles), Northern Brewer (to anchor the brew back to Aurora's genetic heritage/introducing a sharper/woodier/and intensely crisp mint-like depth that cuts through heavy malts), Saaz (to seamlessly lock into a traditional noble landscape/enhancing the subtle citrus elements with a classic/sharp/and snappy continental spice profile)
Beer StylesContinental Lager, Pilsner, Belgian Ale, English Pale Ale, American Blonde Ale, Amber Lager

General Information

Country
Slovenia
Aliases
Styrian Aurora,Super Styrian,Accession No. 21053
Storage Stability
Retains 70 - 75% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
7.0 - 12.0%
Beta Acid
2.7 - 5.0%
Cohumulone
22.0 - 26.0%
Total Oil
0.9 - 1.8 ml/100g
Myrcene
35.0 - 53.0%
Humulene
20.0 - 27.0%
Caryophyllene
4.0 - 8.0%
Farnesene
5.0 - 10.0%
Linalool
0.6 - 1.0%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,600 - 2,100 lbs/acre
Maturity
Medium-Early to Medium-Late Season
Resistant
Downy Mildew (Moderate)
Tolerant
Unknown; likely has moderate tolerance to Verticillium Wilt based on regional field persistence, but not formally classified.
Growth Rate
Good to Very Good
Cones
Medium to large, moderately compact, and relatively heavy.
Ease of Harvest
High (benefits from strong vine structure and reliable cone-to-leaf separation during machine picking).
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Green to Dark Green
Side Arm Length
12" - 30" (Short to Medium)

Discovery Tags

Usage

Origin

Last Updated
  • 2026-06-22 22:10:41