Strisselspalt Hops
AromaAlpha 1.8 - 2.5%France
Flavor & aroma
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.
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
- 2026-03-28 13:45:45