Saaz (US) Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

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.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Saaz (US), the best alternatives are Saaz, Santiam, Sládek, or Sterling.

At A Glance

Profile Fresh-Cut Hay, Spring Wildflowers, Pepper, Spicy, Earthy, Woody, Citrus
Purpose Aroma
Alpha Acid 3.0 - 5.5%
Substitutes Saaz, Santiam, Sládek, Sterling
Pairs with Cascade (to bridge the gap between noble spice and American citrus), Liberty (for a cleaner floral profile), Sterling (to amplify the spicy herbal notes)
Beer Styles American Lager, Pilsner, Wheat Beer, Belgian Ale, Light Ale

General Information

Country United States
Aliases US Saaz, American Saaz, USDA 21077
Storage Stability
Retains 45% - 50% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 3.0 - 5.5%
Beta Acid 3.0 - 4.6%
Cohumulone 24.0 - 28.0%
Total Oil 0.6 - 1.2 ml/100g
Myrcene 25.0 - 45.0%
Humulene 25.0 - 35.0%
Caryophyllene 8.0 - 12.0%
Farnesene 10 - 15.0%
Linalool 0.4 - 0.6%
Geraniol ~0.2%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,200 - 1,500 lbs/acre
Maturity Early to mid season
Susceptible Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew
Growth Rate Moderate to high
Cones Small to medium, relatively loose, and rich in the fine, aromatic lupulin characteristic of noble ho
Ease of Harvest Moderate; the bines are more delicate than many American cultivars, requiring careful mechanical pic
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium green
Side Arm Length 15" - 24"

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Citrus Earthy Fresh-cut Hay Pepper Spicy Wildflowers Woody
Variety Name
Cascade Hersbrucker Liberty Saaz Santiam Sládek Spalt Sterling
Beer Style
American Lager Belgian Ale Light Ale Pilsner Wheat Beer
Usage
Aroma
Origin
United States
Breeding/Supplier
United States Department Of Agriculture
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-06 19:22:05
Source(s)

Hops Catalog

Navigating This Profile
  • The Stats: Use the Purpose and Alpha % to understand the hop's bitterness and aromatic strength.
  • Discovery Tags: Scroll down to find clickable tags for Flavor, Origin, and Usage.
  • The Network: Click any tag (like #Citrus or #New Zealand) to instantly view every other hop in our catalog that shares that trait.
Discovery Tag Spotlight

  • #Stone-Fruit (Orchard Vibe)

    Saturday is for smooth sipping. From fuzzy peach to ripe apricot, these hops add a soft, rounded sweetness to the aroma of Pale Ales and Sours. Explore #Stone-Fruit Hops!
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  • Dwarf variety hops grow shorter in height than traditional varieties but, importantly, produce the same yield. This combination makes harvest easier.
Explanations
  • Storage: is based on the percentage of alpha acids remaining after 6 months at 20*F.
  • Oil composition percetages are based on the total percentage of oil in the hop. Example: 10 - 20% means that for the specific oil it is 10 - 20% of the overall oil make up.