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Orion Hops
Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 7.0 - 9.0%Germany
Flavor & aroma
Orion is a distinguished German dual-purpose hop that represents the refined breeding standards of the Hüll Hop Research Center. Developed in the mid-1980s as a cross between the legendary Perle and the German male 70/10/15, Orion was engineered to bridge the gap between the delicate aromatics of traditional landrace varieties and the robust bitterness of modern hops. It offers brewers a resilient and reliable ingredient that thrives in the Hallertau climate. Orion is particularly valued for its ability to provide a clean, structural bitterness while maintaining a complex aromatic depth, making it a foundational choice for classic continental lagers and assertive regional ales.
The sensory profile of Orion is a masterful arrangement of spicy resin and refreshing forest notes. It leads with a primary, "woodland" bouquet of fresh pine needles and herbal spice, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of wildflower honey and dried grass. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant "cool" mintiness and a subtle woody earthiness that remains exceptionally clean on the palate. Thanks to its balanced oil composition and moderate alpha levels, Orion delivers a firm yet smooth bitterness and a crisp, polished finish. It is the definitive choice for brewers seeking to impart a sense of timeless "Noble" quality with an added layer of resinous intensity.
If you can't find Orion, the best alternatives are Hallertauer Tradition, Northern Brewer, or Perle.
At A Glance
| Profile | Pine Needles, Herbal Spice, Wildflower Honey, Dried Grass, Mintiness, Woody Earthiness |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual: Aroma and Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 7.0 - 9.0% |
| Substitutes | Hallertauer Tradition, Northern Brewer, Perle |
| Pairs with | Hallertau (to enhance the floral top-notes), Northern Brewer (to amplify the woody/minty foundation), Tettnanger (to deepen the herbal spice) |
| Beer Styles | Helles, Pilsner, Kolsch, Dunkel, Bock, Altbier |
General Information
| Country | Germany |
|---|---|
| Alias | USDA 21675 |
| Storage Stability | Retains 70 - 80% alpha acid |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 7.0 - 9.0% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 3.0 - 4.0% |
| Cohumulone | 28.0 - 32.0% |
| Total Oil | 1.0 - 1.6 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 35.0 - 45.0% |
| Humulene | 20.0 - 28.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 10.0 - 14.0% |
| Farnesene | < 1.0% |
| Linalool | 0.4 - 0.6% |
| Selinene | 3.5 - 4.5% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 1,600 - 1,900 lbs/acre |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Mid season |
| Resistant | Downy Mildew (good) |
| Susceptible | Powdery Mildew (moderate) |
| Growth Rate | High / Vigorous |
| Cones | Medium-sized, firm, and moderately dense. The cones are noted for their high lupulin saturation and |
| Ease of Harvest | Excellent; the bines are structurally strong, and the variety is perfectly suited for high-speed mec |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Medium Green |
| Side Arm Length | 18" - 26" (medium) |
- 2026-04-17 03:37:27