Spalt Hops
AromaAlpha 2.5 - 5.5%Germany
Flavor & aroma
Spalt (often called Spalt Spalter) is the quintessential German Noble hop and one of the most historically significant cultivars in the world. As a natural landrace variety native to the Spalt region of Bavaria, its roots may date back as far as the 8th century. Its importance to brewing history is so profound that in 1538, it became the first hop variety ever granted the German hop seal—a testament to its centuries of elite status.
Part of the legendary Saaz family, Spalt is defined by an extreme aromatic delicacy heavily influenced by the unique red-brown soils of its home district. Unlike modern high-alpha hybrids engineered for raw power, Spalt is grown strictly for its exquisite finesse. It remains the definitive choice for brewers seeking the most authentic, prestigious, and timeless European character for traditional German styles.
If you can't find Spalt, the best alternatives are Hallertau, Saaz, Spalter Select, or Tettnanger.
At A Glance
| Profile | Spicy, Herbal, Dried Flowers, Sweet Hay, Pepper, Woody, Cedar, Earthy, Citrus |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Aroma |
| Alpha Acid | 2.5 - 5.5% |
| Substitutes | Hallertau, Saaz, Spalter Select, Tettnanger |
| Pairs with | Hallertau (for a complete Bavarian profile), Saaz (for a classic Bohemian/German blend), Tettnanger (to amplify herbal spice) |
| Beer Styles | Altbier, German Pilsner, Helles, Bock, Kolsch, Munich Lager |
General Information
| Country | Germany |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Spalter, Spalt Spalter, Spalter Spalt, German Spalt |
| Storage Stability | Retains 75% alpha acid |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 2.5 - 5.5% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 3.0 - 5.0% |
| Cohumulone | 20.0 - 28.0% |
| Total Oil | 0.9 - 1.4 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 20.0 - 35.0% |
| Humulene | 20.0 - 30.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 8.0 - 13.0% |
| Farnesene | 12.0 - 22.0% |
| Linalool | 0.5 - 0.8% |
| Geraniol | ~0.2% |
| Total Polyphenols | 4.0 - 5.0% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 1,200 - 1,500 lbs/acre |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Early to mid-season |
| Susceptible | Downy Mildew, Aphid, Verticillium Wilt |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to high |
| Cones | Small, dense, and oval-shaped with a rich, golden lupulin content |
| Ease of Harvest | Moderate; while the bines are manageable, the lower yield per acre requires careful handling to pres |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Medium green |
| Side Arm Length | 12" - 24" |
Spalt Aroma/Flavor Profile
- 2026-03-30 22:00:10