Beer is not just beer. This is due to the great variety of flavors of the different hop varieties, to which a huge fan base is devoted.
There are a number of different varieties on the market real hops (Humulus lupulus) available. Every conceivable taste seems to be covered. The spectrum of aromas ranges from "floral" to "fruity-sweet" to "menthol", the taste can be spicy, woody or earthy. The large group of hop varieties is divided into two main groups. The affiliation is decided according to the content of alpha acids. Bitter hop varieties have an alpha acid content of over 10%. Aromatic hop varieties, on the other hand, contain less than 10% alpha acid. While this reduces the bitterness of the hops, it also results in a higher concentration of essential oils. Depending on the aroma composition, the essential oils of the aroma hop varieties contribute to their own special flavors. An entire scene is dedicated to the aromatic diversity of hops. Hobby brewers and small breweries create beer specialties with overwhelmingly fruity aromas that make you forget the traditionally bitter hop juice. The range of varieties and flavors seems to grow indefinitely. In the following, we will name the most important bitter and aroma hop varieties in commercial cultivation:
Bitter hop varieties:
- nugget: This classic is characterized by strong growth and a high cone yield. Despite low requirements, this variety is very susceptible to disease and is therefore increasingly being replaced by new varieties.
- Target: In addition to being extremely undemanding in terms of soil requirements, this variety impresses with its low susceptibility to powdery mildew. The beautiful, closed umbels are striking.
- Hallertau Magnum: This variety with a high bitter content is characterized by vigorous growth. The large umbels and leaves are very ornamental.
- Northern Brewers: Although this early-ripening variety is less productive, it contains many important bitter substances.
Aroma hop varieties:
- Hersbrucker: A traditional variety that impresses with its spicy aroma with an overall very good aroma.
- Hallertau medium early: Thanks to its aroma, this old variety is still popular in cultivation. It also attracts attention with its large, dark green leaves and overall extremely aesthetic growth.
- centennial: This variety, which is very popular in the USA, is characterized by an aroma reminiscent of beetroot and berries. The mix with a woody note is characteristic.
- citra: This aroma variety with a high recognition value impresses with its diverse fruity aroma. Lovers will even recognize them in the beer after the brewing process.
- amarillo: A rather mild variety with a moderate aroma, but with a sweet and at the same time spicy fruity note.
Another breeding goal for the aroma and bitter hop varieties used in commercial cultivation is to create smaller but still high-yielding varieties. This would greatly facilitate the machining of the culture.
For private hobby growers, special varieties are of particular interest for cultivation in their own garden. Their peculiarity is usually undemanding in terms of soil properties and shorter shoots.
special varieties:
- Billbo: Due to the extremely low proportion of bitter substances, this variety is of no interest in the art of brewing, but is excellently suited for the preparation of teas.
- comet: Very showy and ornamental cultivar with light green to yellow foliage and large umbels.
- gimli: The shoots of this "dwarf" variety reach a length of only 4 m. This makes it more suitable for growing in pots or containers than its strong-growing relatives. In addition, the resistance to powdery mildew makes cultivation in the home garden more pleasant.
Thanks to the large number of different hop varieties, you can create a real taste experience in your own garden. However, if you want to try your hand at brewing beer with your own hops, you should make sure that you only grow female plants. So play it safe and buy female young plants from specialist retailers or propagate your plants using cuttings of the same variety. When sowing, you can never be sure whether it will be a female or an unwanted male.
Like you in your own garden grow hops you can find out in our special article.