Orion Hops

Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 7.0 - 9.0%Germany

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.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Orion, the best alternatives are Hallertauer Tradition, Northern Brewer, or Perle.

At A Glance

ProfilePine Needles, Herbal Spice, Wildflower Honey, Dried Grass, Mintiness, Woody Earthiness
PurposeDual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid7.0 - 9.0%
SubstitutesHallertauer Tradition, Northern Brewer, Perle
Pairs withHallertau (to enhance the floral top-notes), Northern Brewer (to amplify the woody/minty foundation), Tettnanger (to deepen the herbal spice)
Beer StylesHelles, 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)

Discovery Tags

Origin

Breeding/Supplier

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-17 03:37:27