Robusta Hops

AromaAlpha 3.5 - 5.5%Czechia

Robusta is a distinguished Czech aroma hop that represents a vital link between ancient brewing traditions and modern agricultural resilience. Registered in 2001 by the Žatec Hop Research Institute, it was bred from a cross between a female Achilles and a male ND 2/65/1 (which itself shares lineage with Northern Brewer). Sharing the same parentage as the variety Aroma, Robusta was specifically selected to provide growers with a more vigorous, higher-yielding alternative to traditional landrace varieties. Despite its increased "robustness" in the field, it remains a true Noble-style hop at its core, offering a more saturated oil profile that stands up perfectly in contemporary craft lager production.

The sensory profile of Robusta is a masterful arrangement of soft floral notes and refined herbal spice. It leads with a primary, "Bohemian" bouquet of fresh-cut hay, chamomile, and sweet wildflowers, followed by the distinct peppery-earthy undertones that are the hallmark of the Saaz family. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle secondary notes of lemon zest and a mild woodiness that remains exceptionally clean on the palate. Thanks to its high farnesene content and low cohumulone levels, Robusta delivers a remarkably smooth, non-lingering bitterness and a crisp finish, making it the definitive choice for a "super-premium" Czech character with modern aromatic depth.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Robusta, the best alternatives are Saaz, Santiam, Sládek, Sterling, or Tettnanger.

At A Glance

ProfileHerbal, Spicy, Fresh-Cut Hay, Chamomile, Sweet Wildflowers, Peppery, Earthy, Lemon Zest, Woody
PurposeAroma
Alpha Acid3.5 - 5.5%
SubstitutesSaaz, Santiam, Sládek, Sterling, Tettnanger
Pairs withPremiant (for a clean bittering base), Saaz (to soften the aromatics), Sládek (to add a hint of modern fruitiness)
Beer StylesBohemian Pilsner, Pale Lager, Belgian Blonde, Wheat Beer

General Information

Country
Czechia
Storage Stability
Retains 55 - 60% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
3.5 - 5.5%
Beta Acid
3.5 - 5.5%
Cohumulone
20.0 - 25.0%
Total Oil
1.0 - 1.8 ml/100g
Myrcene
30.0 - 45.0%
Humulene
20.0 - 35.0%
Caryophyllene
7.0 - 11.0%
Farnesene
12.0 - 18.0%
Linalool
0.4 - 0.6%
Methyl 4-Decenoate
4.5 - 5.5%
Selinene
0.5 - 1.2%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,300 - 1,700 lbs/acre
Resistant
Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew
Growth Rate
High
Cones
Small to medium-sized, oval, and moderately dense with a high concentration of aromatic lupulin
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; specifically selected for its improved mechanical harvestability compared to more delicat
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium-dark green
Side Arm Length
18" - 28"

Discovery Tags

Usage

Origin

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-06 19:57:36
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