Phoenix Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Phoenix is a distinctive British variety that represents a fascinating chapter in the Wye College breeding program. Released in 1996 as an offspring of the high-alpha Yeoman, it was originally positioned as a more disease-resistant successor to Challenger. While it struggled to match Challenger’s commercial acreage due to slower growth and lower yields, Phoenix carved out a dedicated following for its unique chemical composition. Primarily valued as a high-alpha bittering hop that performs exceptionally well early in the boil, it provides a "bridge" between intense bittering power and delicate English soul, offering a softer, more refined impact than many of its high-intensity ancestors.

The sensory profile of Phoenix is a rich and comforting arrangement of classic noble characteristics and rare, gourmand sweetness. While it is often considered "mellow" when used as a late addition, it contributes a sophisticated secondary layer of molasses, chocolate, and dark honey. Its primary bouquet is dominated by spicy pine and fresh-cut hay, which develops into a refined, woody earthiness on the palate. Thanks to its exceptionally high oil content and relatively low cohumulone levels, Phoenix delivers a polished, "toasty" bitterness and a velvety finish. it is the definitive choice for brewers seeking to add structural depth and a hint of dark sweetness to malt-forward heritage styles.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Phoenix, the best alternatives are Challenger, East Kent Golding, or Northdown.

At A Glance

Profile Spicy Pine, Fresh-Cut Hay, Molasses, Chocolate, Dark Honey, Woody Earthiness
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 8.0 - 12.0%
Substitutes Challenger, East Kent Golding, Northdown
Pairs with East Kent Golding (to amplify the honey-like sweetness), First Gold (to add a bright citrus lift), Fuggle (to deepen the rustic/earthy complexity)
Beer Styles English Bitter, Porter, Stout, ESB, Brown Ale

General Information

Country United Kingdom
Storage Stability
Retains 80%-85% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 8.0 - 12.0%
Beta Acid 3.8 - 5.4%
Cohumulone 23.0 - 30.0%
Total Oil 1.2 - 2.5 ml/100g
Myrcene 22.0 - 30.0%
Humulene 25.0 - 32.0%
Caryophyllene 9.0 - 13.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool 0.4 - 0.7%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,600 - 2,100 lbs/acre
Maturity Mid to late season
Resistant Powdery Mildew (high)
Tolerant Verticillium Wilt
Susceptible Downy Mildew (moderate)
Growth Rate High
Cones Medium-sized, firm, and heavily laden with lupulin. They are known for holding their chemical compos
Ease of Harvest Excellent; the bines are structurally sound, and the variety is well-suited for high-efficiency mech
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium green
Side Arm Length 18" - 28" (medium)

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Chocolate Dark Honey Earthy Fresh-cut Hay Molasses Pine Spicy Woody
Variety Name
Challenger East Kent Golding First Gold Fuggle Northdown Yeoman
Beer Style
Brown Ale English Bitter Esb Porter Stout
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
United Kingdom
Breeding/Supplier
Wye College
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-12 08:04:50
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

  • #Noble (Classics)

    Back to the roots. European "Noble" hops are the elegant, low-bitterness varieties that defined Pilsners and Lagers for centuries. Explore the spicy, floral heritage of the Old World. Explore #Noble Hops!
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Did you know?
  • 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.