Saaz (US) Hops

Saaz (US) is a premier domestic tribute to the world’s most famous "Noble" hop, cultivated in the fertile valleys of the Pacific Northwest. This American-grown version of the Czech landrace classic originated from a Czechoslovakian Saaz seedling received by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1973. While it is notoriously difficult to grow and produces a lower yield than many modern cultivars, it offers brewers a reliable, high-quality aromatic profile that honors its European heritage. Expected to be related to Hersbrucker and Spalt, the unique terroir of the United States imparts a subtle domestic robustness to this lineage, often resulting in a slightly higher resin content and a bright, clean finish that American craft brewers demand.

The sensory profile of Saaz (US) is a masterclass in elegant herbal complexity with a uniquely American twist. It leads with a primary, "perfumed" bouquet of fresh-cut hay, spring wildflowers, and a distinct peppery spiciness that is the hallmark of the Saaz lineage. As the profile develops, brewers will find a soft, earthy woodiness and a subtle, bright citrus note that is slightly more pronounced than its Czech counterpart. Thanks to its high farnesene content and balanced oil composition, US Saaz delivers a remarkably smooth, non-lingering bitterness and a crisp finish, making it the definitive choice for imparting a classic continental character with a touch of modern domestic clarity.