Liberty Hops

AromaAlpha 3.0 - 5.0%United States

Liberty is the aristocrat of American aroma hops, a variety that proves the United States can produce hops with the same grace and subtlety as the ancient gardens of Bavaria. Developed by the United States Department of Agriculture breeding program in Corvallis, Oregon starting in 1983 and released commercially in 1991, Liberty was bred as a domestic successor to the delicate Hallertau Mittelfrüh. It was specifically designed to retain the clean, floral elegance of the "Noble" hops while offering better stability and disease resistance for American growers. In an era of aggressive, fruit-forward varieties, Liberty remains a favorite for brewers who value balance, clarity, and the understated complexity of traditional European styles.

The profile of Liberty is a harmonious and serene arrangement of floral blossoms and mild herbal spice. It leads with a primary bouquet of dried lavender, wildflower honey, and fresh-cut hay, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of lemon zest and light peppery spice. Because of its high humulone content and low myrcene levels, it avoids harsh, resinous notes, instead providing a silky-smooth aromatic presence that integrates beautifully with the cracker-like sweetness of Pilsner malts. It is the definitive choice for brewers seeking a polished, professional-grade aroma that finishes with a clean, refreshing, and slightly earthy snap.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Liberty, the best alternatives are Crystal, Hallertau, Mount Hood, or Tradition.

At A Glance

ProfileLavender, Wildflower Honey, Fresh-Cut Hay, Spice, Lemon Zest, Pepper
PurposeAroma
Alpha Acid3.0 - 5.0%
SubstitutesCrystal, Hallertau, Mount Hood, Tradition
Pairs withMount Hood (for a broader American-Noble base), Saaz (to push the spicy/peppery boundary), Tettnanger (to ground the floral notes with a traditional earthy depth)
Beer StylesGerman Pilsner, Helles, Bock, Kölsch, Wheat Beer, Witbier

General Information

Country
United States
Alias
USDA 21457
Storage Stability
Retains 35 - 50% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
3.0 - 5.0%
Beta Acid
3.0 - 4.0%
Cohumulone
22.0 - 26.0%
Total Oil
0.6 - 1.8 ml/100g
Myrcene
20.0 - 40.0%
Humulene
30.0 - 45.0%
Caryophyllene
9.0 - 13.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%
Linalool
0.3 - 0.5%
Geraniol
0.1 - 0.2%
Total Polyphenols
4.0 - 5.0%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,300 - 1700 lbs/acre
Maturity
Early to Mid Season
Resistant
Downy Mildew
Growth Rate
Medium / Moderate
Cones
Small to medium-sized, moderately dense, and conical in shape. The cones are a vibrant green and con
Ease of Harvest
Good; while the yields are lighter than some of its modern cousins, the bines are structurally sound
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium Green
Side Arm Length
12" - 24" (short to medium)

Liberty Aroma/Flavor Profile

Aroma
CitrusTropical FruitStone FruitApple/PearMelonBerryFloralSpicy/Herbal

Discovery Tags

Usage

Last Updated
  • 2026-05-07 23:42:43