Strisselspalt Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Strisselspalt is the definitive aromatic soul of French brewing, a historic landrace variety that has been cultivated in the Alsace region for centuries. While it began appearing in records around 1855, it is a true European land variety—meaning it grew naturally and adapted perfectly to the unique terroir of the Rhine Valley.

As one of the world’s most elite "Noble-style" hops, it is prized not for its bittering potential—which is remarkably low—but for its unparalleled aromatic elegance. Deeply tied to the soil and climate of Eastern France, Strisselspalt is a cornerstone of classic European styles like Bière de Garde and traditional Saisons. It remains a top choice for brewers who demand a refined, "old-world" character that provides a sophisticated alternative to traditional German Noble hops.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Strisselspalt, the best alternatives are Crystal, Hersbrucker, Liberty, or Mount Hood.

At A Glance

Profile Perfume, Spring Flowers, Sweet Hay, Citrus, Lemon Peel, Dried Orange, Black Pepper, Clove, Cedar
Purpose Aroma
Alpha Acid 1.8 - 2.5%
Substitutes Crystal, Hersbrucker, Liberty, Mount Hood
Pairs with Aramis (its modern French descendant), Hallertau (to double down on Noble spice), Triskel (for a boost in fruitiness)
Beer Styles Saison, Biere de Garde, Pilsner, Lager, Witbier, Belgian Blonde

General Information

Country France
Aliases French Strisselspalt, Strisselspalter
Storage Stability
Maintains 60% - 70% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 1.8 - 2.5%
Beta Acid 3.0 - 6.0%
Cohumulone 22.0 - 25.0%
Total Oil 0.6 - 0.8 ml/100g
Myrcene 35.0 - 52.0%
Humulene 15.0 - 25.0%
Caryophyllene 8.0 - 12.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool 0.4 - 0.7%
Geraniol 0.2 - 0.4%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 900 - 1,300 lbs/acre
Maturity Mid-season
Resistant Downy Mildew (moderate)
Susceptible Powdery Mildew, certain regional hop viruses
Growth Rate Moderate
Cones Small, compact, and very rich in aromatic lupulin
Ease of Harvest Good; the bines are manageable, though the low yield per acre makes it a labor of love for Alsatian
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium green
Side Arm Length 12"- 20"

Strisselspalt Aroma/Flavor Profile

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Black Pepper Cedar Citrus Clove Floral Lemon Peel Orange Perfume Sweet Hay
Variety Name
Aramis Crystal Hallertau Hersbrucker Liberty Mount Hood Triskel
Beer Style
Belgian Blonde Biere De Garde Lager Pilsner Saison Witbier
Usage
Aroma
Origin
France
Last Updated
  • 2026-03-28 07:45:45
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

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Did you know?
  • 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.