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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.
If you can't find Merkur, the best alternatives are Columbus, Hallertauer Taurus, Herkules, or Magnum.
At A Glance
| Profile | Wildflower, Herbal Spice, Earthy Resin, Citrus, Mint |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual: Aroma and Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 12.0 - 15.% |
| Substitutes | Columbus, Hallertauer Taurus, Herkules, Magnum |
| Pairs with | Hallertauer Tradition (to amplify the noble herbal notes), Herkules (for a massive/structural bittering foundation), Saphir (to add a brighter/citrus-floral lift) |
| Beer Styles | German 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
- 2026-04-30 19:49:44