Greetings, hopheads, beer aficionados, and anyone who thinks hops are just bunny jumps. Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of hop profiles – the rockstars of craft beer. Grab your beer goggles, and let's explore the hops that turn a simple brew into a flavor-packed fiesta!
Hop Flavors: Where Hops Become the Spice of Beer Life
Hops are to beer what spices are to a master chef – they add the magic. From citrusy zings to piney punches, and floral bouquets that make you question if you're in a beer garden or a meadow, hops bring a symphony of flavors to the brewing stage.
Hop Varieties: The Celebrities of the Brewing World
If hops were Hollywood stars, they'd have their names on the Walk of Fame. Let's meet a few hop headliners:
Citra: The Hollywood A-lister. Citrusy, fruity, and as popular as the latest superhero movie. If beers had red carpets, Citra would own them. *Used in our West Coast IPA
Simcoe: The mysterious one. Hints of pine, earth, and a touch of the wild side. Simcoe is the beer equivalent of a film noir detective – complex and always intriguing.
Mosaic: The crowd-pleaser. Bursting with berry and tropical fruit vibes, Mosaic is the hop that knows how to get the party started. It's the beer equivalent of a dance anthem.
Amarillo: The sunshine hop. Amarillo brings a burst of orange-citrus flavor, like a sip of liquid sunshine on a summer day.*Used in our Off Trail Pale Ale
Centennial: The classic charmer. Floral and slightly spicy, Centennial is the hop that bridges the gap between tradition and trendiness.
Chinook: The pine ranger. Known for its piney, resinous character, Chinook is the hop that takes your taste buds on a journey through a Pacific Northwest forest.
Saaz: The continental diplomat. With its delicate, earthy, and herbal notes, Saaz is the hop that adds a touch of European sophistication to the brew.
Galaxy: The intergalactic sensation. Hailing from Australia, Galaxy brings a tropical punch with flavors of passion fruit and peach, making it the hop equivalent of a fruity cosmic journey. *Used in our Knotty Blonde Ale , West Coast IPA
Nelson Sauvin: The wine aficionado. From New Zealand, Nelson Sauvin offers white wine-like flavors with hints of gooseberry and tropical fruit, elevating your beer-drinking experience to a classy vineyard tour.
Strata: The newcomer making waves. Strata brings layers of tropical fruit, grapefruit, and herbal notes, announcing its presence with a bold, hoppy entrance.
Cascade: The OG hop. As one of the original craft beer hops, Cascade delivers a floral and citrusy punch, reminding us that classics are classics for a reason. *Used in our Off Trail Pale Ale
Magnum: The bold maestro. Known for its clean and bittering properties, Magnum is the hop conductor that brings harmony to the brew, ensuring a balanced and crisp finish. *Used in our West Coast IPA , Sasquatch Stout, Fraser Valley Lager
Ekuanot: The chameleon hop. Formerly known as Equinox, Ekuanot brings a complex profile of melon, berry, citrus, and even a touch of green pepper. It's the hop that keeps your taste buds guessing.
Hersbrucker: The elegant maestro. With its floral and herbal notes, Hersbrucker is the hop that adds a touch of German grace to the beer, like a waltz of flavors pirouetting on your palate. *Used in our Knotty Blonde Ale , Moon Dance Mango Wheat , Fraser Valley Lager
East Kent Goldings (EKG): The British aristocrat. EKG hops bring a refined and earthy character, reminiscent of the English countryside. It's the hop equivalent of a sophisticated cup of Earl Grey tea. *Used in our English Toffee Amber Ale and Irish Cream Amber Ale
Hop Selection: The Brewer's Green Quest
Behind every great beer is a brewer carefully selecting hops, like a conductor choosing the perfect instruments for an orchestra. Brewers scrutinize hop varieties, considering flavors, aromas, and the overall personality they bring to the beer.
It's a bit like hop dating – brewers swipe right on hops that bring the right chemistry to the brew. They consider the alpha acids for bitterness, the essential oils for aroma, and the hop's origin story because every hop has a tale to tell.
Hop Regions: Because Hops Have Passports Too
Hops are like avid travelers, and each region they visit leaves its mark on their flavor. From the Pacific Northwest's piney goodness to the Southern Hemisphere's tropical vacation vibes, hops bring a suitcase full of flavors from around the globe.
In conclusion, hops are the unsung heroes of craft beer, bringing flavors, aromas, and a touch of pizzazz to every brew. So, next time you take a sip of a hoppy masterpiece, raise your glass to these tiny green wizards – the true MVPs of the brewing world. Cheers to hops, the real rockstars of your beer glass!