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Brewing Process 12 min read

Hop Varieties Explained: A Comprehensive Guide

By Brewmaster Sarah Chen Ā· January 20, 2025

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Introduction to Hops

Hops are the flowers of Humulus lupulus, a climbing plant related to cannabis. They provide bitterness to balance malt sweetness, contribute aroma and flavor, and act as a natural preservative.

For non-alcoholic beer, hops are particularly important - they provide much of the flavor that distinguishes craft NA beer from bland alternatives.

Understanding Hop Chemistry

Alpha Acids

Alpha acids create bitterness when boiled. The percentage of alpha acids (AA%) determines bittering potential:

  • Low (2-5%): Noble hops, delicate bitterness
  • Medium (5-10%): Balanced bittering and aroma
  • High (10-18%): Aggressive bittering hops

Essential Oils

Essential oils provide aroma and flavor. Key oil compounds include:

  • Myrcene: Herbal, resinous, green
  • Humulene: Woody, spicy, earthy
  • Caryophyllene: Peppery, woody
  • Linalool: Floral, citrus
  • Geraniol: Rose, floral

Polyphenols

Polyphenols contribute to haze (in hazy IPAs) and provide subtle flavor complexity.

Noble Hops

The four classic European varieties, prized for delicate, refined character.

Saaz

Origin: Czech Republic Alpha Acids: 2-5% Character: Spicy, herbal, slightly floral

The defining hop of Bohemian pilsner. Delicate yet distinctive. We use Saaz in our Classic Pilsner.

Hallertau MittelfrĆ¼h

Origin: Germany Alpha Acids: 3-5.5% Character: Floral, slightly spicy, mild

Traditional German lager hop. Increasingly rare due to disease susceptibility.

Tettnang

Origin: Germany Alpha Acids: 3-5% Character: Spicy, herbal, slightly floral

Similar to Saaz, often used in German wheat beers and lagers.

Spalt

Origin: Germany Alpha Acids: 3-5% Character: Mild spice, subtle earth

The least known noble hop, used in specialty German styles.

American Hops

The American craft beer revolution was built on bold, assertive hop varieties.

Cascade

Origin: Oregon, USA (1972) Alpha Acids: 4.5-7% Character: Grapefruit, floral, spicy

The hop that started American craft beer. Defined Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and remains iconic.

Centennial

Origin: Washington, USA (1990) Alpha Acids: 9.5-11.5% Character: Citrus, floral, medium bitterness

ā€œSuper Cascadeā€ - similar character with higher alpha acids. Excellent dual-purpose hop.

Citra

Origin: Washington, USA (2008) Alpha Acids: 11-13% Character: Grapefruit, tropical, lime, passion fruit

One of the most popular modern hops. Intensely tropical with citrus backbone. We use Citra extensively in our IPAs.

Mosaic

Origin: Washington, USA (2012) Alpha Acids: 11.5-13.5% Character: Blueberry, mango, earthy, herbal

Complex and multidimensional. Works alone or in blends. Daughter of Simcoe.

Simcoe

Origin: Washington, USA (2000) Alpha Acids: 12-14% Character: Pine, earth, citrus, passion fruit

Distinctive dank, piney character. Essential for West Coast IPAs.

Amarillo

Origin: Washington, USA (1990s) Alpha Acids: 8-11% Character: Orange, tangerine, floral, tropical

Bright citrus character. Works well as both bittering and aroma hop.

Chinook

Origin: Washington, USA (1985) Alpha Acids: 12-14% Character: Pine, spice, grapefruit

Classic American bittering hop with distinctive pine resin character.

Columbus/Tomahawk/Zeus (CTZ)

Origin: USA Alpha Acids: 14-18% Character: Pungent, earthy, dank, citrus

High-alpha bittering hop. ā€œColumbusā€ and similar names refer to same variety from different sources.

Strata

Origin: Oregon, USA (2018) Alpha Acids: 11-12% Character: Cannabis, tropical, passion fruit, strawberry

Newest darling of hazy IPA brewers. Intensely dank with tropical notes. Featured in our DDH IPA.

Southern Hemisphere Hops

Australia and New Zealand produce distinctive varieties unlike anything else.

Galaxy

Origin: Australia (2009) Alpha Acids: 13-15% Character: Passion fruit, citrus, peach

Intensely fruity. One of the most sought-after hops globally. We use Galaxy in multiple beers.

Nelson Sauvin

Origin: New Zealand (2000) Alpha Acids: 12-13% Character: White wine, gooseberry, grapefruit

Named for similarity to Sauvignon Blanc wine. Distinctive and polarizing.

Motueka

Origin: New Zealand Alpha Acids: 6.5-7.5% Character: Lime, tropical, lemon zest

Fresh, clean citrus character. Excellent for lighter beer styles.

Riwaka

Origin: New Zealand Alpha Acids: 4.5-6.5% Character: Grapefruit, passion fruit, citrus

Hard to source, highly prized. Intense tropical character.

English Hops

Traditional varieties for classic English ales.

East Kent Golding

Origin: England Alpha Acids: 4-5.5% Character: Honey, floral, spicy, earth

The classic English ale hop. Refined and elegant.

Fuggle

Origin: England (1875) Alpha Acids: 4-5.5% Character: Earthy, woody, mild grass

Traditional bittering hop for English ales. Parent to many American varieties.

Challenger

Origin: England (1972) Alpha Acids: 6.5-8.5% Character: Spicy, cedar, fruity

Dual-purpose English hop with more intensity than traditional varieties.

Using Hops in Brewing

Bittering Additions

Hops added early in the boil (60+ minutes) contribute primarily bitterness. Essential oils evaporate; only alpha acids remain.

Flavor Additions

Mid-boil additions (15-30 minutes) balance bitterness and aroma. Some oils remain, some evaporate.

Aroma Additions

Late additions (0-15 minutes) and whirlpool hops contribute maximum aroma with minimal bitterness.

Dry Hopping

Post-fermentation additions provide intense aroma without any bitterness. Critical for modern IPAs.

Hops in Non-Alcoholic Beer

The dealcoholization process can strip hop aromatics. We compensate through:

  1. Post-process dry hopping - Adding hops after dealcoholization
  2. Hop oil additions - Pure extracted hop oils
  3. Higher hopping rates - Using more hops than traditional recipes
  4. Fresh, quality hops - Sourcing the freshest possible hops

Hop Selection at Clarity Brewing

We select hops based on:

  • Freshness - Hops are agricultural products; fresher is better
  • Quality - We source from top farms with strict quality control
  • Character - Each variety brings specific flavors to specific beers
  • Consistency - Crop-to-crop variation is minimized through careful sourcing

Conclusion

Understanding hops opens a window into beer flavor. Whether you prefer the delicate spice of noble hops or the tropical punch of modern American varieties, thereā€™s a hop - and a Clarity Brewing beer - for you.