Discovery Tags

Items found matching the tag "black pepper"

Pacific Jade

Pacific Jade is a masterclass in dual-purpose utility, seamlessly blending the massive structural power of New Zealand high-alpha varieties with the delicate "Noble" finesse of its heritage. Developed by HortResearch and released in 2004, this variety was engineered from a cross between Saaz and the New Zealand hop First Choice. Pacific Jade provides brewers with a versatile tool capable of delivering high-intensity bitterness without the harsh, jagged edges often found in other super-alpha hops. Thanks to its unique genetic makeup and the pristine growing conditions of New Zealand, it has become a favorite for those seeking a "refined boldness"—acting as both a heavy-duty bittering workhorse and a sophisticated aromatic finisher. The sensory profile of Pacific Jade is a striking and unconventional arrangement of fresh citrus and savory spice. It leads with a primary, "punchy" bouquet of bold, freshly crushed black pepper and herbal zest, followed by a vibrant secondary layer of sweet Meyer lemon and lime. As the profile develops, brewers will find a refined "green" freshness and a subtle hint of honeysuckle that remains impeccably clean on the palate. Due to its exceptionally low cohumulone levels, Pacific Jade delivers an incredibly soft, rounded bitterness that integrates perfectly with crisp pilsners and hop-forward ales alike. It is the definitive choice for imparting a sophisticated, peppery citrus depth with a polished finish.

Pulawski

Puławski is a captivating "New Wave" aroma hop that is redefining the landscape of traditional Polish brewing. Developed at the IUNG Institute as a modern daughter of the legendary Lubelski variety, it serves as a bridge between old-world European elegance and modern aromatic intensity. While it is technically classified as a dual-purpose hop, its pungent and complex character makes it a favorite for aroma-driven additions. Released in 2012, Puławski offers brewers a unique "New World" personality while remaining deeply rooted in the heritage of the Lublin hop-growing region, providing a resilient, high-performing alternative for innovative pilsners and experimental ales. The sensory profile of Puławski is a sophisticated and surprising arrangement of tropical fruit and noble spice. It leads with a primary, "saturated" bouquet of white wine grapes and ripe papaya, followed by a complex secondary layer of clove, black pepper, and fresh wildflowers. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle hints of lemon zest and a soft, herbal earthiness that pays homage to its Lubelski parentage. Thanks to its relatively high oil content and balanced chemical composition, Puławski delivers a clean, smooth bitterness and a vibrant finish, making it the definitive choice for those seeking a refined, "juicy" fruit impact with a touch of continental spice.

Santiam

Santiam is a premier American-bred aroma hop that serves as a sophisticated tribute to the legendary "Noble" varieties of Germany. Released in 1997 by the United States Department of Agriculture Research Service in Corvallis, Oregon, it is a unique triploid cross derived from Tettnanger, Hallertau Mittelfrüh, and an unknown USDA male (descended from Cascade). This heritage allows Santiam to deliver the delicate, refined aromatic profile of its European ancestors while thriving in the Pacific Northwest. It is a boutique variety prized for its incredible chemical purity—specifically its high farnesene content and low cohumulone levels—which ensures a high-quality, soft bitterness and a polished finish that bridges the gap between old-world elegance and modern domestic reliability. The sensory profile of Santiam is a masterful arrangement of soft floral sweetness and refined herbal spice. It leads with a primary, "perfumed" bouquet of fresh wildflowers/[tag], [tag]lavender, and sweet hay, followed by a sophisticated spicy black pepper undertone reminiscent of classic Tettnanger. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle, bright notes of lemon zest and a soft woodiness that remains remarkably clean. Because of its high beta-acid content and balanced oil composition, Santiam delivers a remarkably smooth, velvety bitterness and a crisp finish, making it the perfect choice for elevating delicate lagers and Belgian-style ales.

Strisselspalt

Strisselspalt is the definitive aromatic soul of French brewing, a historic landrace variety that has been cultivated in the Alsace region for centuries. While it began appearing in records around 1855, it is a true European land variety—meaning it grew naturally and adapted perfectly to the unique terroir of the Rhine Valley. As one of the world’s most elite "Noble-style" hops, it is prized not for its bittering potential—which is remarkably low—but for its unparalleled aromatic elegance. Deeply tied to the soil and climate of Eastern France, Strisselspalt is a cornerstone of classic European styles like Bière de Garde and traditional Saisons. It remains a top choice for brewers who demand a refined, "old-world" character that provides a sophisticated alternative to traditional German Noble hops.

Tardif de Bourgogne

Tardif de Bourgogne is a rare heritage landrace that serves as a living link to the pre-industrial hop gardens of France. While its exact pedigree remains a mystery, it is widely accepted as a clonal French landrace—a "Late of Burgundy" variety that adapted over centuries to the specific climate of Eastern France. Though the United States Department of Agriculture received samples from Poland in 1977, the hop’s heart remains in the Alsace and Burgundy regions, where it was once the primary choice for farmhouse brewers before the rise of Strisselspalt. Because it is an authentic landrace, Tardif de Bourgogne hasn't been "smoothed over" by modern laboratory breeding. It retains a hardy, rustic character and a deep genetic affinity for the traditional Bière de Garde and Saison styles. For the brewer seeking historical accuracy, this hop offers a regional specificity and "Old World" soul that modern hybrids simply cannot touch.

Target

Target is a legendary high-alpha variety that has served as a cornerstone of British brewing since its public release in 1972. Developed at the world-renowned Wye College in the early 70s, it was a breakthrough for the UK industry: the first variety to marry massive bittering power with the agricultural "grit" needed to thrive in Kent’s unpredictable climate. As a direct descendant of Northern Brewer and Eastwell Goldings, Target bridges the gap between Victorian-era tradition and modern efficiency. While it is a cousin to the more subtle Challenger, Target was bred for impact. It transformed the UK hop industry by allowing brewers to achieve bold bitterness with far less plant material. Though once viewed as a utilitarian workhorse, it has been rediscovered by the craft movement as a premier aromatic hop for those who want a quintessentially English soul with a modern, assertive edge.

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 percentages 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.