Vital Hops
Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 12.0 - 16.0%Czech Republic
Flavor & aroma
Vital is a cutting-edge Czech variety that represents a fascinating shift in modern hop breeding. Developed at the Hop Research Institute in Žatec (the home of Saaz) and released in 2008, Vital was originally bred for pharmaceutical purposes. Its mission was to maximize the concentration of specific antioxidants and "healthy" hop compounds like Xanthohumol and DMX.
Bred from a lineage involving Agnus, Vital was registered as a "biomedical" hop due to its incredible anti-oxidative stability. For the brewer, this translates to a beer that stays "fresher" for longer. While it offers the high-alpha bittering efficiency of a modern hybrid, it retains the refined European soul of its Czech heritage. It is the perfect choice for those who want the muscle of a bittering hop without losing the delicate prestige synonymous with the Žatec region.
If you can't find Vital, the best alternatives are Admiral, Agnus, Nugget, or Saaz.
At A Glance
| Profile | Spicy, Resinous, Ginger, Lemon, Dried Fruits |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual: Aroma and Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 12.0 - 16.0% |
| Substitutes | Admiral, Agnus, Nugget, Saaz |
| Pairs with | Kazbek (for a citrus boost), Premiant (for a balanced Czech bittering base), Saaz (to add a delicate floral finish) |
| Beer Styles | Pilsner, Strong Lager, Bock, Belgian Strong Ale |
General Information
| Country | Czech Republic |
|---|---|
| Storage Stability | High |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 12.0 - 16.0% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 6.0 - 11.0% |
| Cohumulone | 21.0 - 28.0% |
| Total Oil | 1.5 - 2.5 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 35.0 - 60.0% |
| Humulene | 20.0 - 30.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 7.0 - 11.0% |
| Farnesene | 1.0 - 3.0% |
| Linalool | 0.5 - 0.9% |
| 2-Undekanone | 1.0 - 2.5% |
| Methyl 4-Decenoate | 1.5 - 3.0% |
| Selinene | 7.0 - 15.0% |
| Total Polyphenols | 3.5 - 4.4% |
| Xanthohumol | 0.7 - 1.0% |
| DMX (Desmethylxanthohumol) | 0.2 - 0.4% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 1,600 - 2,050 lbs/acre |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Mid to late season |
| Tolerant | Powdery Mildew |
| Susceptible | Downy Mildew (medium) |
| Growth Rate | Very Vigorous; robust vertical climber |
| Cones | Medium-sized, narrow, egg-shaped, very dense, and rich in golden lupulin |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Deep green |
| Side Arm Length | 25" - 30" |
- 2026-03-02 18:41:37