Blato Hops

AromaAlpha 4.5%Czech Republic

Breeding & lineage: A traditional mass selection from the historical Ústecký Krajový landrace; genetically tied to the Saaz family group (exact pedigree unknown).

Genetics & family tree

Curated parent and offspring links for Blato. View Blato family tree & lineage chart → Recipe swaps are on the Hop Substitutor.

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Originating as a distinguished mass selection from the historical Ústecký Krajový landrace, Blato was officially registered in Czechoslovakia in 1952, securing its legacy as one of the oldest protected and authorized cultivars within the Czech Republic. Though its precise parentage remains an ancient secret, it is a direct relative of Saaz and is physically managed and traded under the broader "Bohemian Early Red" banner. Agronomically, this heirloom variety represents a foundational pillar of Old World continental cultivation, serving as a living link to the origin of traditional European brewing. While rare on the modern commercial market, Blato is highly revered by heritage brewers for delivering an incredibly genuine, aristocratic presence that cannot be replicated by modern hybrids.

The sensory footprint of Blato is an exceptionally delicate, mild, and clean European masterpiece that defines the pinnacle of classic noble character. The bouquet opens with a pristine, highly nuanced top note of soft field blossoms, fresh-cut hay, and dried chamomile. This polite botanical canopy moves gracefully into a sophisticated mid-palate featuring a gentle touch of warm kitchen spices, light woodiness, and crushed garden herbs. Grounding the entire old-world experience is a beautifully anchored, smooth baseline of fine earthy [tag]spice/[tag] and clean continental terroir. Because of its low-intensity essential oils and remarkably gentle bittering structure, Blato provides a flawless, integrated sensory impact that rounds out sharp edges, making it the perfect choice for light, crisp beer backbones.

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Substitution Tip

If you can't find Blato, the best alternatives are Saaz, Spalter, Sterling, or Tettnanger.

Similar hops (calculated)

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Match scores use aroma/flavor charts and chemistry — estimates only.

At A Glance

ProfileRefined Earthy Spice, Soft Botanical Blossoms, Fresh-Cut Hay, Mild Herbs, Gentle Woodiness
PurposeAroma
Alpha Acid4.5%
SubstitutesSaaz, Spalter, Sterling, Tettnanger
Pairs withHallertau (to introduce a sharp/beautifully vibrant/and deeply crisp woodsy spice complexity that contrasts perfectly against Blato's clean/aristocratic continental baseline), Saaz (to interlock Blato's gentle floral traits with a classic/deeply nostalgic noble background of delicate herbal lace and soft earth), Tettnanger (to construct a dense/high-amplitude continental matrix where Tettnanger's bright floral sweetness and mild pepper notes broaden and soften Blato's delicate earthy base)
Beer StylesPilsner, Pale Lager

General Information

Country
Czech Republic
Aliases
Bohemian Early Red,USDA Accession 21527
Storage Stability
Retains 65% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
4.5%
Beta Acid
3.5%
Cohumulone
21.0%
Total Oil
0.65 mL/100g
Myrcene
47.0%
Humulene
18.0%
Caryophyllene
5.0%
Farnesene
11.2%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
< 600 pounds/acre
Maturity
Early Season
Growth Rate
Low (poor vine vigor)
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Dark green
Side Arm Length
6" - 10" (Short)

Discovery Tags

Usage

Last Updated
  • 2026-06-18 23:41:32