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Sirem Hops
AromaAlpha 2.7 - 4.4%Czechia
Sirem is an exquisite and rare clonal selection of the traditional Saaz family, originating as a clone of Zatecky Krajovy at the Hop Research Institute in Zalec. Known by several aliases in the international trade—including Aurum, Bohemian Red, and Saaz—it is a cornerstone of the "Bohemian Red Hop" tradition, distinguished in the field by its striking reddish stems. Due to its historically poor growth rate and low yields, Sirem remains a boutique variety grown on very limited acreage. Despite these agricultural challenges, it is prized for its historical significance and its ability to produce the "super-premium" character required for world-class, authentic continental pilsners.
The sensory profile of Sirem is the embodiment of the "Noble" hop ideal: exceptionally mild, pleasant, and sophisticated. It leads with a primary, "old-world" bouquet of soft floral notes and sweet hay, immediately followed by the classic spicy-earthy undertones that define the finest Bohemian hops. As the profile develops, brewers will find a remarkably clean and delicate bitterness that integrates seamlessly into light malt backbones. Thanks to its high humulene-to-caryophyllene ratio and low cohumulone levels, Sirem provides a rounded, non-lingering finish and a refined herbal aroma, making it the definitive choice for brewers seeking a polished and professional aromatic depth.
If you can't find Sirem, the best alternatives are Saaz or Sládek.
At A Glance
| Profile | Floral, Sweet Hay, Spicy, Earthy |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Aroma |
| Alpha Acid | 2.7 - 4.4% |
| Substitutes | Saaz, Sládek |
| Pairs with | Premiant (for a firmer/clean bittering base), Saaz (to reinforce the traditional spice), Sládek (for a more modern fruit-forward lift) |
| Beer Styles | Pilsner, Bohemian Lager, European Pale Lager |
General Information
| Country | Czechia |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Aurum, Bohemian Red |
| Storage Stability | Retains 54 - 60% alpha acid |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 2.7 - 4.4% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 2.8 - 3.5% |
| Cohumulone | 21.0 - 25.0% |
| Total Oil | 0.2 - 0.8 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 20.0 - 40.9% |
| Humulene | 20.3 - 26.5% |
| Caryophyllene | 5.6 - 6.6% |
| Farnesene | 12.2 - 20.8% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 74 - 192 pounds/acre |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Early |
| Susceptible | Downy mildew (moderate) |
| Growth Rate | Poor |
| Cones | Small, delicate, and rich in the fine essential oils characteristic of the Saaz lineage |
| Ease of Harvest | Moderate; while it is mechanically harvestable, its low vigor and short side-arms require attentive |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Dark green |
| Side Arm Length | 6 - 10 inches |
- 2026-04-03 15:58:51