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Campers and beer drinkers, gather around! Today’s lesson is all about the mighty hop cone, the tiny flower with a titanic impact on your favourite brew. Forget that old rumour about hops being male cones – they’re all female, and they pack a serious punch of flavour and aroma.

These little green grenades, technically from the Humulus lupulus plant (say that five times fast or after five beers), are the secret weapon of brewers. They’re like the spices in your grandmothers secret biscuit recipe, they create a symphony of deliciousness.

Hops: The Triple Threat

Hops are like a three-in-one brewing tool. They can bring the bitter, the flavour, and the aroma, depending on when they’re tossed into the boil. Early additions create that balancing bitterness that keeps your beer from tasting like straight-up malt syrup. Later additions unleash a wave of flavour, anything from citrusy to piney to downright tropical. And dry hopping, where hops are added after fermentation, is all about maximizing those intoxicating aromas.

Think of it like this: hops are like the actors in a play. Some are leading roles, delivering powerful bitterness. Others are scene stealers, bursting onto the stage with flavour. And a few are the dramatic whisperers in the background, hinting at citrus or spice with their aroma.

Hop Varieties: A World Tour (Without Leaving Your Barstool)

The world of hops is vast, my friends, with new varieties popping up faster than you can say “IPA.” But let’s meet a few all-stars:

• Galaxy: This Aussie hop is a fruity rockstar, bringing citrus, peach, and passionfruit to the party, a tropical paradise in a glass.
• Citra: This American up-and-comer is all about the citrus explosion – think lime, orange, grapefruit. It’s a hit in pale ales and IPAs.
• Amarillo: This West Coast wonder is Citra’s partner-in-crime, adding another layer of citrusy goodness. Together, they create flavour bombs.
• Saaz: This European hop is a true OG, a key ingredient in those classic Pilsners. It’s a bit more subtle than the new-school hops, offering earthy, spicy, and herbal notes that make it a brewer’s favourite
• Cascade: A true craft beer pioneer, Cascade is a staple in pale ales and IPAs.
• Mosaic: Now, let’s not forget this Mosaic masterpiece! This American-bred hop is a chameleon, offering a kaleidoscope of flavours and aromas. Imagine a tropical fruit salad with a hint of blueberry and pine – that’s the magic of Mosaic. It’s a superstar in IPAs and pale ales, adding complexity and depth to any brew.

The Takeaway: Hop on Over to Flavourtown!

The world of hops is deep, but you don’t need a PhD in botany to appreciate them. Just knowing a few basic hop facts can transform your beer-drinking experience. Next time you grab a craft brew, see if you can pick out the citrusy notes of Citra or the earthy whispers of Saaz. With a little practice and a lot of tasting, you’ll be a hop connoisseur in no time! Now get out there and join the Cheers to 100 Beers program , only at Thyme to Taste Emporium, a place to discuss your favourite craft beer – cheers big ears!

Thyme to Taste Emporium
Now in two locations
62 Comur St, Yass
Shop 3 Fairly Square, Rose Street, Murrumbateman

FOr further reading https://www.beercraftr.com/hops/