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Saaz Shine Hops
AromaAlpha 3.0 - 5.0%Czech Republic
Flavor & aroma
Saaz Shine represents a brilliant advancement in the storied tradition of Czech hop cultivation. Developed at the prestigious Hop Research Institute in Žatec, Saaz Shine was engineered to address the agricultural limitations of the original Saaz landrace—specifically its low yield—without sacrificing its legendary aromatic soul. By carefully blending the genetics of traditional Saaz with the more resilient Sládek, breeders created a variety that offers significantly higher yields and an improved essential oil concentration. It is a refined aroma hop that provides brewers with the classic "Noble" elegance required for authentic continental lagers, bolstered by a modern structural reliability that ensures consistency in every batch.
The sensory profile of Saaz Shine is a radiant and polished arrangement of delicate spring blossoms and sophisticated herbal spice. It leads with a primary, "meadow-fresh" bouquet of dried chamomile, white pepper, and fresh-cut hay, followed by a secondary layer of sweet citrus zest and soft earthy resins. As the profile develops, brewers will find a signature "silky" mouthfeel—attributed to its exceptionally high farnesene levels—and a hint of honeyed sweetness that remains incredibly clean on the palate. Thanks to its low alpha acid content and balanced cohumulone levels, Saaz Shine delivers a soft, understated bitterness and a crisp, effervescent finish—the definitive choice for a bright, luminous aromatic intensity.
If you can't find Saaz Shine, the best alternatives are Lubelski, Saaz, Santiam, or Sterling.
At A Glance
| Profile | Dried Chamomile, White Pepper, Fresh-Cut Hay, Herbal Spice, Citrus Zest, Earthy Resin, Honey |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Aroma |
| Alpha Acid | 3.0 - 5.0% |
| Substitutes | Lubelski, Saaz, Santiam, Sterling |
| Pairs with | Premiant (to provide a sturdier bittering base), Saaz (to create a multi-layered/authentic Czech aromatic profile), Sládek (to amplify the fruitier citrus notes) |
| Beer Styles | Bohemian Pilsner, European Lager, Helles, Belgian Witbier, Saison |
General Information
| Country | Czech Republic |
|---|---|
| Storage Stability | Good |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 3.0 - 5.0% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 3.0 - 4.5% |
| Cohumulone | 22.0 - 26.0% |
| Total Oil | 1.0 - 1.8 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 25.0 - 35.0% |
| Humulene | 25.0 - 35.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 8.0 - 12.0% |
| Farnesene | 12.0 - 18.0% |
| Linalool | 0.4 - 0.6% |
| Geraniol | ~0.1% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 1,600 - 2,000 lbs/acre |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Mid Season |
| Growth Rate | High / Vigorous |
| Cones | Small to medium-sized, oval, and moderately dense. They are noted for their bright lupulin saturation and lower-intensity, noble hoppy aroma that delivers a delicate balance of fresh herbs, soft woodsy spices, and subtle citrus undertones. |
| Ease of Harvest | Excellent; the variety was specifically selected for its suitability for modern high-speed mechanical harvesting, offering strong, disease-resistant bines that release the cones cleanly with exceptional resistance to shattering during processing. |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Medium Green |
| Side Arm Length | 15" - 25" (medium) |
- 2026-04-26 15:19:53
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