Saaz Hops
AromaAlpha 2.5 - 4.5%Czechia
Saaz is arguably the most famous hop variety in the world and the undisputed gold standard for "Noble" aroma. Officially registered in 1952 but with a history dating back over 700 years to the town of Žatec (German: Saaz) in the Czech Republic, this landrace variety is the soul of the traditional Bohemian Pilsner. Distinguished in the field by its reddish bines and delicate foliage, Saaz is a true original. While its low alpha acid content and susceptibility to disease make it "inefficient" by modern agricultural standards, it remains a preferred choice for brewers who demand a refined, historical character that cannot be replicated by modern hybrids.
The sensory profile of Saaz is a symphony of sophisticated, warm notes that define the classic "Hoppy" aroma. It leads with a primary, "perfumed" bouquet of soft earth, fresh herbs, and a distinct peppery spiciness. As the profile develops, brewers will find delicate floral overtones of chamomile and wildflower, supported by warm, woody undertones. Because of its exceptionally high farnesene content and low cohumulone levels, Saaz delivers a remarkably smooth, non-lingering bitterness and a crisp, clean finish. It is the definitive choice for supporting—rather than overwhelming—the delicate sweetness of premium Pilsner malts.
If you can't find Saaz, the best alternatives are Santiam, Sládek, Spalter Select, Sterling, or Tettnanger.
At A Glance
| Profile | Earthy, Herbal, Pepper, Spicy, Floral, Chamomile, Wildflower, Woody |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Aroma |
| Alpha Acid | 2.5 - 4.5% |
| Substitutes | Santiam, Sládek, Spalter Select, Sterling, Tettnanger |
| Pairs with | Hallertau (for a continental blend), Premiant (for a clean Czech bittering foundation), Sládek (to boost aroma intensity) |
| Beer Styles | Bohemian Pilsner, Pale Lager, Belgian Ale, Wheat Beer, Lambic |
General Information
| Country | Czechia |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Czech Saaz, Saazer, Czech Saazer, Žatecký poloraný červeňák (ŽPČ), Bohemian Red Hop |
| Storage Stability | Retains 45% - 50% alpha acid |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 2.5 - 4.5% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 4.0 - 6.0% |
| Cohumulone | 23.0 - 26.0% |
| Total Oil | 0.4 - 1.0 mg/100g |
| Myrcene | 25.0 - 40.0% |
| Humulene | 15.0 - 30.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 6.0 - 9.0% |
| Farnesene | 14.0 - 20.0% |
| Linalool | 0.4 - 0.7% |
| B-Pinene | 0.4 - 0.8% |
| Geraniol | 0.2 - 0.5% |
| Selinene | 0.5 - 1.5% |
| Total Polyphenols | 5.5 - 7.0% |
| Xanthohumol | 0.3 - 0.5% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 800 - 1,200 lbs/acre |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Early to mid season |
| Susceptible | Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Cones | Small, relatively loose, and very rich in fine lupulin |
| Ease of Harvest | Moderate; its delicate structure requires careful mechanical picking to avoid cone shattering |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Dark green |
| Side Arm Length | 15" - 25" |
Saaz Aroma/Flavor Profile
- 2026-04-07 01:34:14