German Beer Hops: Traditional Varieties And Their Unique Flavors

Germany has a long history of hop cultivation, with the first documented instance of hop cultivation in the world taking place in the Hallertau region of present-day Germany in 736. Today, Germany has four main hop-growing regions: Hallertau, Elbe-Saale, Tettnang, and Spalt. The Hallertau region accounts for almost 90% of all German hops grown and is also a center of hop research and breeding.

There are four hops varieties that are considered noble hops: Hallertau, Saaz, Spalt, and Tettnang. These hops are named after the regions in which they were grown and are known for their low alpha acid content and strong aroma profiles. They are commonly used in traditional continental-style lagers and ales.

Other traditional German hops include Hersbrucker, Perle, and Magnum.

Hallertau hops

Some examples of beers brewed with Hallertau hops include:

• Pilsner Gold by Ninkasi
• Pacific Wonderland Lager by Deschutes
• Harpoon Goldenmilk by Harpoon

Tettnang hops

These hops are well-suited for use in European lagers and pilsners, as well as Hefeweizen beers. They are often used in traditional German lagers, particularly Bavarian styles, Weissbiers, and German or Belgian ales. Tettnang hops can be added at any stage of the brewing process, making them a versatile option for brewers.

The sensory profile of Tettnang hops includes a mix of floral, fruity, herbal, and spicy notes, such as fresh herbs, grass, dried flowers, citrus peel, and black tea. They can add a bit more intensity to a brew compared to Hallertau, while still maintaining a balanced flavour. Tettnang hops have a mild, pleasant, and well-rounded aroma, making them a popular choice for brewers looking to create complex and delicate flavours in their beers.

Spalt hops

The Spalt hop variety matures early and grows vigorously, with red bines and long lateral branches. However, it yields a relatively small amount of cones, resulting in a low average yield of only about 1,200 to 1,600 kg/ha. The alpha and beta acids in Spalt hops range from 4% to 5%, which is consistent with other Noble hop varieties. The cohumulone content is moderate, at 23% to 28% of alpha acids. The essential oils found in Spalt hops include myrcene (15%), humulene (25%), caryophyllene (15%), and a high level of the floral farnesene (15%).

Saaz hops

In addition to their flavour and aroma, Saaz hops also offer practical benefits to brewers. Their elevated content of polyphenols helps to abate oxidation, resulting in a longer shelf life for beers brewed with these hops. However, growing Saaz hops can be challenging due to their meagre yield, weak mildew resistance, and light cones. To address these issues, the original Saaz variety has been successfully cloned multiple times to improve its resistance to wilt and mildew and make it a more viable crop.

While the original Saaz hops are associated with Czech brewing traditions, another variety has been propagated in the United States. This US variety has a higher alpha acid content than the original Czech version, making it more suitable for bittering applications.

Hersbrucker hops

The hop is characterised by its mellow spiciness and is often described as having a citrus and herbal aroma, with notes of dried green herbs, candied citrus, and tree fruit. Its sensory profile is similar to Mittelfrüh but with a more dominant spice component and added elements of fruit.

Hersbrucker is an aroma hop, typically used in late boil additions and dry hopping. It is a popular choice for refined European-style beers and traditional Southern German beers, including lightly-hopped lagers and ales. It is well-suited to Munich-style pale and dark lager, Weissbier, Oktoberfest, and Bock. Its versatility also extends to hop-forward lagers like Pils, and it can add a pleasant blend of fruity and spicy notes to these styles.

With an annual production exceeding 1000 metric tons, Hersbrucker hops are widely available and can be purchased from multiple suppliers, including some organic options from boutique hop farms.

Frequently asked questions