Discovery Tags

Items found matching the tag "hallertau"

Aramis

Aramis is the first variety from the Comptoir Agricole breeding program in France, bred in 2002. Aramis comes from a breed of Strisselspalt and Whitebread Golding. It was bred to create Strisselspalt character hop with increased and stable bitter potential.

Dr. Rudi

Dr. Rudi was bred by HortResearch as a an open pollination of Smoothcone. Released in 1976. A true definition of a dual use as it has smoother bitterness and good aroma qualities. Originally named Super Alpha but renamed in 2012 in honor of the "father of New Zealand hops", Dr. Rudi Roborgh. There isn't a direct substitute.

Hallertauer Tradition

Hallertauer Tradition is a German hop that is great for German style beers. Originally bred because of it's resistance to disease at the Hüll Hop Research Institute in Germany in 1993. Heritage of Hallertau, Saaz and unknown varieties.

Helga

Helga has lineage from Hallertau, bred in 1986, by Hop Products Australia, with similar characteristics as Hallertau. Helga was commercially released in 1996 but took 10 years to gain traction.

Variety Name: Hallertau
Beer Style: Lagers
Usage: Aroma
Origin: Australia
Breeding/Supplier: Hop Products Australia

Hersbrucker

Hersbrucker represents a large acreage in Germany, named for the region in which it is primarily grown (also in the Hallertau region) as it replaced the traditional Hallertau since it is more disease resistant. Acreage peaked in the 70s and 80s.

Liberty

Liberty is an American hop with German heritage; bred to resemble Hallertau, therefore it is primarily used for aroma. Development began in 1983 by the United States Department of Agriculture program in Corvallis, Oregon before commercial release in 1991.

Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is bred from Magnum and USDA male in 1994, being released to the public in 2009. Oregon State Univerisy worked with United States Department of Agriculture to breed Mt. Rainer. It seems that this hop is no longer being produced.

Pacifica

Pacifica has German lineage. Bred by HortResearch in New Zealand it was released commercially in 1994. Open breeding of Hallertau and is mostly known for its aroma qualities.

Perle

Released commercially in 1978, Perle was bred in Hüll, Germany at the Hop Research Center, is a cross between Northern Brewer and German male. Perle was bred to create a more resistant version of Hallertau.

Relax

Relax has a low alpha content but high beta and oil content, making it a great for Relax is a groundbreaking variety from Germany’s Hüll Hop Research Center, designed to redefine the traditional utility of the hop plant. Originally bred for use in herbal teas due to its refreshing and calming profile, it is a near-zero alpha variety that is virtually useless for bittering but invaluable for its aromatic properties. Relax is prized for its high beta-acid and total oil content, making it a "wellness-focused" powerhouse. While it has found a niche in the craft beer world—particularly for alcohol-free brews and late-kettle additions—its primary legacy remains in the production of high-quality hop teas and therapeutic supplements where its gentle, soothing character can truly shine. The sensory profile of Relax is the embodiment of tranquility—soft, herbal, and profoundly floral. It leads with a primary, "meadow-like" bouquet of cornflower, lemongrass, and hibiscus, followed by a sophisticated sweetness reminiscent of honeydew melon. As the profile develops, brewers and tea-makers will find secondary notes of rose petals, lavender, and chamomile layered over a background of fresh lemon balm. Because it provides zero perceptible bitterness, Relax allows its "pure" essential oil character to dominate the palate. It is the definitive choice for those seeking a floral elegance that promotes a sense of well-being without the aggressive resin or spice of traditional hops.

Saaz

Saaz is arguably the most famous hop variety in the world and the undisputed gold standard for "Noble" aroma. Officially registered in 1952 but with a history dating back over 700 years to the town of Žatec (German: Saaz) in the Czech Republic, this landrace variety is the soul of the traditional Bohemian Pilsner. Distinguished in the field by its reddish bines and delicate foliage, Saaz is a true original. While its low alpha acid content and susceptibility to disease make it "inefficient" by modern agricultural standards, it remains a preferred choice for brewers who demand a refined, historical character that cannot be replicated by modern hybrids. The sensory profile of Saaz is a symphony of sophisticated, warm notes that define the classic "Hoppy" aroma. It leads with a primary, "perfumed" bouquet of soft earth, fresh herbs, and a distinct peppery spiciness. As the profile develops, brewers will find delicate floral overtones of chamomile and wildflower, supported by warm, woody undertones. Because of its exceptionally high farnesene content and low cohumulone levels, Saaz delivers a remarkably smooth, non-lingering bitterness and a crisp, clean finish. It is the definitive choice for supporting—rather than overwhelming—the delicate sweetness of premium Pilsner malts.

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.

Saphir

Saphir is a distinguished German aroma hop that represents a modern evolution of the classic Hallertau lineage. Developed at the Hüll Hop Research Center and released in 2002, it was specifically engineered as a more disease-resistant alternative to traditional Hallertau Mittelfrüh. Known for having one of the lowest alpha acid contents in the world, Saphir is prized by brewers for its incredible chemical purity—notably its exceptionally low cohumulone levels—which ensures a high-quality, soft bitterness. It successfully bridges the gap between "Noble" traditions and 21st-century agricultural demands, offering a more robust oil profile than its landrace ancestors. The sensory profile of Saphir is a masterful balance of delicate florals and bright, sweet citrus, offering a "fruity twist" rarely found in traditional German varieties. It leads with a primary bouquet of tangerine and red berries, followed by a sophisticated herbal background reminiscent of Earl Grey tea and fresh-cut hay. As the profile develops, brewers will find a "perfumed" quality of lavender and [tag]honeysuckle/[tag] that provides a bright, jewel-like clarity. Because of its remarkably high linalool content, Saphir delivers an incredibly smooth, non-lingering bitterness and a crisp finish, making it the definitive choice for world-class Pilsners, Belgian Witbiers, and modern Wheat beers.

Shinshuwase

Shinshuwase is the cornerstone of Japanese hop heritage, representing over a century of brewing tradition. Developed in the early 1900s as an open-pollinated cross between Saaz and White Vine-OP, it remains a major variety exclusive to Japan. As a "wase" (early-ripening) cultivar, it was specifically acclimated to the terroir of the Nagano (Shinshu) region, allowing farmers to harvest high-quality aroma hops before late-season weather challenges. Though now considered a boutique legacy variety, Shinshuwase is revered for its "Noble" pedigree, offering the refined, gentle character that defined the crisp profile of early 20th-century Japanese lagers. The sensory profile of Shinshuwase is one of understated sophistication and delicate balance. True to its Saaz ancestry, it leads with a primary, "perfumed" bouquet of fresh-cut hay[tag], spring [tag]wildflowers, and a distinct peppery spiciness. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle, clean notes of lemon zest and a soft herbal woodiness reminiscent of green tea. Because of its high humulene and farnesene content, Shinshuwase delivers a remarkably smooth, non-lingering bitterness and a crisp finish. It is the definitive choice for brewers seeking a polished elegance that perfectly elevates light malt backbones and traditional rice-adjunct lagers.

Smaragd

Smaragd, which translates to "Emerald" in German, is a distinguished variety representing the refined evolution of the Hallertau lineage. Released in 2000 by the Hüll Hop Hop Research Institute, it was bred from Hallertauer Gold to provide a more disease-resistant alternative for the Hallertau growing region. This "Noble-plus" cultivar was specifically engineered to preserve the sophisticated essence of its ancestry while introducing the agricultural robustness required for modern sustainable farming. Because it balances high-quality bittering potential with pleasant aromatic traits, Smaragd has become a prized dual-purpose workhorse for brewers who value both chemical purity and traditional soul. The sensory profile of Smaragd is a masterclass in clean, fruit-inflected herbal complexity. It leads with a primary, "polished" bouquet of dried flowers, fresh-cut hay, and sweet clover, followed by a subtle, creamy fruitiness reminiscent of ripe melon and lemon peel. As the profile develops, brewers will find a sophisticated spicy backbone—defined by notes of black tea and noble earth—that remains exceptionally smooth on the palate. Thanks to its remarkably low cohumulone levels, Smaragd delivers a velvety, non-lingering bitterness and a crisp, refreshing finish, making it the definitive choice for imparting a bright German character with a unique, modern fruity elegance.

Southern Aroma

Southern Aroma is a premier variety representing the pinnacle of refined "Noble" style breeding in the Southern Hemisphere. Developed by the South African Breweries program, it is a diploid seedling resulting from a cross between Saaz and Hallertau Mittelfrüh, giving it a classic European soul with a unique fruity twist. Specifically selected for its ability to flourish under the short-day light cycles of the Western Cape, Southern Aroma provides a polished, continental character that remains clean and balanced, making it a boutique favorite for brewers seeking incredible aromatic finesse. The sensory profile is a masterclass in floral and herbal elegance, defined by a "perfumed" quality. It leads with a primary bouquet of fresh-cut wildflowers, chamomile, and sweet hay, followed by sophisticated woody notes of cedar and sandalwood. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle undertones of Earl Grey tea and a soft citrus brightness reminiscent of lemon peel. With its exceptionally low cohumulone levels, Southern Aroma delivers a remarkably smooth, velvety bitterness and a crisp finish, making it the definitive choice for elevating delicate lagers and Belgian-style ales.

Southern Passion

Southern Passion is a transformative aroma hop that captures the vibrant, tropical spirit of the South African landscape. Developed by the South African Breweries (SAB) breeding program, this variety is a fascinating diploid seedling born from legendary "Noble" parents—Saaz and Hallertau Mittelfrüh. What makes Southern Passion truly unique is its daylight neutral genetics, allowing it to reach full maturity in the specific light cycles of the Southern Hemisphere. This noble parentage is reflected in its chemical makeup, with alpha and beta acid levels that remain closely balanced, providing a clean agricultural performance and a soft, refined bitterness that modern high-alpha hybrids often lack. The sensory profile is a lush, exotic tapestry of tropical and stone fruits. It leads with a "punchy" bouquet of passionfruit, guava, and ripe pineapple, followed by jammy notes of red berries and sweet melon. As the profile develops, brewers will find a refined citrus brightness of grapefruit and lime layered over a soft, floral background.

Southern Promise

Southern Promise is a distinguished aroma hop that represents the sophisticated side of South African hop breeding. Developed by the South African Breweries (SAB) program in the George region, it is the result of a unique cross between the robust Southern Brewer and a wild Slovenian male. This specific pedigree was engineered to make Southern Promise daylight neutral, giving it the rare ability to grow in adverse or inconsistent sunlight conditions that would stall other varieties. This adaptability allows it to offer the structural reliability of a Southern Hemisphere cultivar while maintaining the delicate, "Noble" aromatic qualities of its European ancestry. It is a versatile dual-purpose variety prized by brewers for its clean performance and its ability to bridge the gap between traditional old-world character and modern brewing requirements.

Spalt

Spalt (often called Spalt Spalter) is the quintessential German Noble hop and one of the most historically significant cultivars in the world. As a natural landrace variety native to the Spalt region of Bavaria, its roots may date back as far as the 8th century. Its importance to brewing history is so profound that in 1538, it became the first hop variety ever granted the German hop seal—a testament to its centuries of elite status. Part of the legendary Saaz family, Spalt is defined by an extreme aromatic delicacy heavily influenced by the unique red-brown soils of its home district. Unlike modern high-alpha hybrids engineered for raw power, Spalt is grown strictly for its exquisite finesse. It remains the definitive choice for brewers seeking the most authentic, prestigious, and timeless European character for traditional German styles.

Spalter Select

Spalter Select is a sophisticated German aroma hop that represents the perfect marriage of ancient tradition and modern agricultural science. Released in 1991 by the renowned Hüll Hop Research Center, it was specifically engineered as a more disease-resistant successor to the traditional Spalt landrace. By crossing the delicate Spalt variety with the robust Hallertau Mittelfrüh, researchers created a hop that preserves the "Noble" essence of its ancestors while introducing the vigor and storage stability required for modern brewing. Since its official release in 1993, Spalter Select has become a cornerstone variety in the production of world-class German lagers, offering brewers the rare ability to achieve authentic, old-world aromatics with contemporary reliability.

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.

Sylva

Sylva is a sophisticated Australian aroma variety that perfectly bridges the gap between Old World tradition and New World viticulture. Bred in 1997 by Hop Products Australia, Sylva was developed from the prestigious Saaz lineage. The mission was clear: provide brewers with a Southern Hemisphere alternative to the classic "Noble" hops of Europe that could thrive in the unique Australian climate. While many Australian varieties are famous for aggressive, "in-your-face" tropical fruit, Sylva is prized for its restraint and architectural elegance. It possesses a sturdier agronomic profile than its Czech cousins, making it a reliable and consistent choice for brewers who demand the delicate aromatics of a traditional landrace hop but with the freshness and vitality of modern Australian-grown cultivars.

Tettnanger

Tettnanger is one of the four original "Noble Hops" of Europe, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Saaz, Spalt, and Hallertauer. Named after the town of Tettnang in Southern Germany, this landrace variety has a pedigree that can be traced back to 1844, with some records suggesting its cultivation in the Lake Constance region as early as 1150. Unlike modern high-alpha hybrids, Tettnanger is a product of its environment. It has evolved in perfect harmony with the unique soil and microclimate of its home district, creating a delicate chemical profile that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere. While there are US, Australian, and Swiss versions of this hop, the German original remains the definitive cornerstone of traditional European brewing. It offers a level of sophisticated elegance that defines the classic profiles of world-class Pilsners and Lagers.

Tettnanger (US)

Tettnanger (US) is a distinguished aroma hop with a fascinating—and somewhat mysterious—botanical identity. While it shares a name with the legendary German Noble variety, DNA profiling has revealed that the American version is actually a Swiss landrace cultivar. It arrived in the Pacific Northwest and carved out its own niche, proving to be more genetically related to the Fuggle lineage than the Tettnanger hops of the Hallertau. Since its introduction to American soil, Tettnanger (US) has become the ultimate "bridge" hop for craft brewers. It offers the refined, spicy elegance of European tradition combined with the rugged dependability of American-grown cultivars. It is a true dual-heritage hop: cleaner and more floral than its English cousins, yet sturdier and more reliable in the field than its German namesake.

Triumph

Triumph is a modern American masterpiece, released in 2019 by the United States Department of Agriculture public breeding program in Corvallis, Oregon. Though it hit the market recently, its journey began in 2001 as part of an effort to create a "super-noble" variety. Its pedigree is a literal "who’s who" of world-class genetics, weaving together a tapestry that includes Nugget, Brewer's Gold, East Kent Golding, and Hallertau. Because it is a public variety, Triumph represents a win for the craft community, offering a world-class, multi-functional hop that is accessible to every brewer. It serves as the ultimate bridge between the refined elegance of European landrace hops and the robust fruitiness of modern American cultivars. It has rapidly become the go-to choice for brewers looking to "modernize" traditional styles with a vibrant, fruit-forward twist while maintaining classic drinkability.

Ultra

Ultra is a sophisticated, American-bred aroma hop that serves as a bridge between the legendary hop yards of Europe and the modern American grower. Released in 1995 as part of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiative, Ultra was engineered to be the ultimate "Noble" replacement. It is a triploid variety—meaning it has three sets of chromosomes—which gives it a more robust growth habit and higher oil potential than many of its ancestors. Its pedigree is a "Who's Who" of European royalty, featuring a direct cross between Hallertau, Saaz, and a third unknown hop. This genetic blend allows Ultra to capture the refined, aristocratic essence of continental hops while offering the agricultural resilience needed to resist pests and diseases that often plague imported varieties. For the brewer, it represents a perfect marriage: Old World elegance met with New World reliability.

Universal

Universal is a heritage variety with a cinematic history, serving as a vital bridge between Old World tradition and the American craft movement. Developed at the world-renowned Hop Research Institute in Žatec, Czechoslovakia, it was originally bred to be a robust successor to the classic Saaz. However, in a strange twist of fate, it was officially delisted and abandoned by commercial growers in its homeland in 1991. While it vanished from European soil, Universal found a second life in the United States. Since 1988, it has been cultivated in the Pacific Northwest, where it transformed from a forgotten experiment into a "darling" of the 1990s craft scene. Brewers celebrate it as a "Super-Noble" hop: a variety that preserves the elegant, aristocratic characteristics of a classic Czech landrace but possesses the agricultural muscle to thrive in the rugged soils of the American West.

Vanguard

Vanguard represents the final chapter in the United States Department of Agriculture's ambitious mission to domesticate the classic "Noble" character of European landrace hops. Bred in 1982 and officially released in 1997, it is a direct descendant of Hallertau Mittelfrüh. It was engineered to provide American growers with a hearty, disease-resistant plant that could finally go toe-to-toe with the world's most famous German lager hops. What makes Vanguard a true outlier in the hop yard is its unusual chemical fingerprint. It is one of the rare varieties that features low alpha acids but high beta acids. This rare balance, combined with exceptional storage stability, makes it a reliable and sophisticated choice for brewers who demand traditional, clean-finishing European styles without the logistical headache of importing delicate overseas flowers.

Vista

Vista is a modern aromatic marvel, officially released in 2021 as a crown jewel of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS) public breeding program in Corvallis, Oregon. Originally bred in 2006, it spent over a decade in the "Elite Line" trials, engineered to stand toe-to-toe with the most popular proprietary tropical hops on the market. Its pedigree is a fascinating blend of structural reliability and modern zest, pulling genetics from Perle, Northern Brewer, and Hallertau. What sets Vista apart is its "triple-threat" agricultural profile: it was specifically selected for massive yields, high drought tolerance, and extreme heat resistance. This makes it a sustainable hero for the future of American hop farming. As a public variety, Vista offers every brewer a world-class, high-impact aromatic profile that is accessible to all, serving as a cornerstone for the next generation of fruit-forward American craft beers.

Wai-iti

Wai-iti is a vibrant New Zealand aroma hop released in 2011 alongside its cousin, Kohatu®. Developed by the New Zealand Plant & Food Research program, this triploid variety was bred from a lineage that includes the refined Hallertau Mittelfrüh and Liberty. While its ancestors are known for "Noble" spice, Wai-iti was specifically engineered to move in a completely different direction: maximum fruit impact with exceptionally low bitterness. Because of its gentle alpha acid content, Wai-iti has become a "secret weapon" for brewers of Hazy IPAs and sessionable summer ales. It was designed for those who want to drenched a beer in tropical aromatics while avoiding the resinous "hop burn" often associated with high-alpha varieties. It is a specialized tool for the modern brewhouse, almost exclusively reserved for late-kettle additions, the whirlpool, or the dry hop.

Wakatu

Wakatu is a fascinating New Zealand triploid variety that serves as a bridge between European tradition and Southern Hemisphere flair. Developed by the HortResearch, New Zaelands's Hop Research Program and released in 1988, it was originally known as "Hallertau Aroma." This name was no accident: it was bred directly from the legendary German Hallertau Mittelfrüh. In 2011, it was rebranded as Wakatu (the Māori name for the Nelson region) to better reflect its unique terroir. What makes Wakatu special is its genetic makeup. While it retains the refined, floral DNA of its German ancestry, the New Zealand landscape has infused it with a vibrant, citrus-forward personality. It is celebrated by growers and brewers alike as a reliable "all-rounder" because of its exceptional flavor stability, ensuring that the bright lime character you smell on brew day actually survives into the finished pint.

Wye Saxon

Developed at the historic Wye College in 1968, Wye Saxon was bred to be a bridge between Britain and the European mainland. A sister to Wye Viking, its pedigree traces back to Svalöf - a legendary Swedish hop that is now extinct in commercial farming. While many British hops are known for heavy spice and earth, Wye Saxon was engineered to mimic the refined, "Noble" traits of German and Czech varieties. Though largely utilized for breeding programs rather than mass-market production, Wye Saxon remains a fascinating niche variety. It offers growers a sturdy defense against Verticillium wilt while providing brewers with the delicate, floral elegance usually reserved for traditional Hallertau or Saaz.

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.