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Liberty Hops
AromaAlpha 3.0 - 5.0%United States
Flavor & aroma
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.
If you can't find Liberty, the best alternatives are Crystal, Hallertau, Mount Hood, or Tradition.
At A Glance
| Profile | Lavender, Wildflower Honey, Fresh-Cut Hay, Spice, Lemon Zest, Pepper |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Aroma |
| Alpha Acid | 3.0 - 5.0% |
| Substitutes | Crystal, Hallertau, Mount Hood, Tradition |
| Pairs with | Mount 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 Styles | German 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
- 2026-05-07 23:42:43