Merkur Hops

Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 12.0 - 15.%Germany

Merkur is a titan of German hop engineering, standing as the first bittering variety specifically developed at the Hüll Hop Research Institute for superior disease resistance. Released in 2001, Merkur is a direct descendant of the legendary Hallertau Magnum, inheriting its parent's massive bittering potential while offering a more refined essential oil composition. It is a favorite among professional brewers for its incredible efficiency and "clean" bitterness. As a robust and high-yielding cultivar, Merkur thrives in the Hallertau region, providing a reliable foundation for a wide array of beer styles that require a firm, structural bitterness without the harshness often associated with other high-alpha varieties.

The sensory profile of Merkur is a sophisticated and restrained arrangement of classic noble earthiness and subtle fruit. It leads with a primary, "meadow-fresh" bouquet of dried wildflowers and herbal spice, followed by a secondary layer of earthy resin and a light, citrusy snap. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant, polished mouthfeel and a hint of minty freshness. Thanks to its remarkably low cohumulone levels, Merkur delivers an exceptionally smooth, non-lingering bitterness and a crisp, slightly spicy finish—the definitive choice for those seeking a professional-grade bittering base with traditional European aromatic depth.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Merkur, the best alternatives are Columbus, Hallertauer Taurus, Herkules, or Magnum.

At A Glance

ProfileWildflower, Herbal Spice, Earthy Resin, Citrus, Mint
PurposeDual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid12.0 - 15.%
SubstitutesColumbus, Hallertauer Taurus, Herkules, Magnum
Pairs withHallertauer Tradition (to amplify the noble herbal notes), Herkules (for a massive/structural bittering foundation), Saphir (to add a brighter/citrus-floral lift)
Beer StylesGerman Pilsner, Lager, Stout, Pale Ale, Doppelbock

General Information

Country
Germany
Alias
Hallertau Merkur
Storage Stability
Retains 80% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
12.0 - 15.%
Beta Acid
3.5 - 7.0%
Cohumulone
16.0 - 20.0%
Total Oil
1.0 - 1.7 mg/100g
Myrcene
25.0 - 45.0%
Humulene
30.0 - 45.0%
Caryophyllene
7.0 - 12.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%
Linalool
0.3 - 0.6%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,800 - 2,200 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid Season
Resistant
Downy Mildew (high), Powdery Mildew (high)
Tolerant
Verticillium Wilt
Growth Rate
High / Vigorous
Cones
Medium-sized, oval, and quite dense. The cones are noted for their high lupulin saturation and a pun
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; the bines are structurally sound and the variety was specifically selected for its suitab
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium Green
Side Arm Length
20" - 30" (medium)

Merkur Aroma/Flavor Profile

Aroma
CitrusTropical FruitStone FruitApple/PearMelonBerryFloralSpicy/Herbal

Discovery Tags

Origin

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-30 19:49:44