Korsta Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Korsta is a rare and evocative Swedish heritage hop that offers a direct connection to the ancient brewing traditions of the North. Rediscovered during a national project to preserve Sweden's domestic genetic resources, this traditional variety was found in the Medelpad region, where it had adapted over centuries—and potentially since before the Viking Age—to thrive in short, intense growing seasons. Historically utilized in mead and braggot, Korsta is defined by its rustic elegance rather than the aggressive fruitiness of modern hybrids. It is a hop for the storyteller, bringing an "old-world" authenticity to farmhouse ales and traditional lagers that feels both grounded and incredibly rare.

The profile of Korsta is an understated and charming arrangement of the Nordic countryside. It leads with a primary bouquet of dried herbs, fresh pine needles, and sweet hay, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of wildflower honey and a subtle, peppery earthiness. It possesses a "green," forest-like freshness unique to heritage varieties grown in northern latitudes. On the palate, the bitterness is silky and soft, allowing the subtle herbal and woody nuances to harmonize perfectly with light, crackery malts. it is the definitive choice for brewers seeking a timeless, "undiscovered" character that emphasizes balance, history, and a crisp, clean finish.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Korsta, the best alternatives are Hersbrucker, Saaz, Spalter Select, or Tettnanger.

At A Glance

Profile Pine Needles, Dried Herbs, Wildflower Honey, Earthy Spice
Purpose Aroma
Alpha Acid 2.0 - 4.0%
Substitutes Hersbrucker, Saaz, Spalter Select, Tettnanger
Pairs with Northern Brewer (to provide a woody foundation for the delicate pine notes), Spalter Select (to add a noble floral lift), Tettnanger (to double down on herbal elegance)
Beer Styles Nordic Ales, Gruit-style beers, Traditional Pilsners, Farmhouse Ales, Belgian Blondes

General Information

Country Sweden
Storage Stability
Fair

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 2.0 - 4.0%
Beta Acid 1.5 - 3.0%
Cohumulone 20.0 - 25.0%
Total Oil 0.5 - 1.0 ml/100g
Myrcene 20.0 - 35.0%
Humulene 225.0 - 35.0%
Caryophyllene 10.0 - 15.0%
Farnesene 1.0 - 3.0%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield Low
Maturity Early
Growth Rate Moderate / Steady
Cones Small to medium-sized and relatively loose in structure. The cones are a pale, vibrant green and are
Ease of Harvest Fair to Good; while it produces fewer cones per acre than commercial giants, the bines are manageabl
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium Green
Side Arm Length 15" - 25" (Short to Medium)

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Earth Herbal Pine Spice Wildflower Honey
Variety Name
Hersbrucker Northern Brewer Saaz Spalter Select Tettnanger
Beer Style
Belgian Blondes Farmhouse Ales Gruit-style Beers Nordic Ales Traditional Pilsners
Usage
Aroma
Origin
Sweden
Last Updated
  • 2026-05-08 09:39:38
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

  • #Tropical-Fruit (Vacation in a Glass)

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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.