What are Hops and why are they used in Beer Making?

Hops what they are and why hops are in beers.

Welcome to the exciting world of homebrewing! If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about the process of making your own beer, and we’re here to help you get started. So grab a cold one, sit back, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of hops!

Hops are the magic component of beer making. Without hops, beer would be a completely different drink. Hops are the flowers of a plant called Humulus lupulus, and they are responsible for giving the beer its signature bitterness, as well as contributing to its aroma and flavour. But hops are not just a one-trick pony – they also act as a natural preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of beer.

There are many different types of hops, each with its unique flavour profile. Some hops are known for their floral or citrusy notes, while others are more earthy or spicy. As a homebrewer, you can experiment with different hop varieties to create a beer that perfectly suits your taste.

But hops aren’t the only important elements in beer making. Malt, yeast, and water also play crucial roles in the brewing process. Malt provides the fermentable sugars that yeast feeds on to produce alcohol, while yeast is responsible for converting those sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. And water? Well, it’s the base of your beer and provides the liquid needed to brew.

Together, these ingredients come together to create the delicious beverage we all know and love. But how do you get started with homebrewing? Don’t worry; we cover that in other articles. For now, grab another beer, and let’s raise a glass to the magic of hops!

What are hops?

Hops are the magical green flower cones or strobiles that give beer its delicious flavour, aroma, and bitterness. They’re grown on vines and are part of the same family as cannabis (although they don’t contain any psychoactive properties, sorry to disappoint!).

Hops botanical name is Humulus lupulus it comes from the hemp family Cannabinaceae.

Hops have been used in beer making for centuries, and for good reason! Often referred to  “spice” of beer. It not only adds a unique flavour and aroma to beer, but they also help to preserve it and balance out the sweetness of the malt. There are many different varieties of hops, each with its own unique characteristics and flavours, ranging from floral and fruity to spicy and earthy.

Hops are essential in beer making and play a crucial role in creating the delicious and complex flavours we all know and love in our favourite brews!

Hops History in Beer Making

Did you know this magic ingredient in your beer, hops, has a fascinating history? Hops are believed to have originated in China, but their documented use in brewing dates back to the 8th century when clever Benedictine monks used them for brewing beer in a Bavarian abbey outside of Munich, Germany.

Before the use of hops, beer was flavoured and preserved with a mixture of heather, mugwort, and other herbs and spices called gruit. But thanks to those inventive monks, hops became the go-to ingredient for adding bitterness, and aroma, and preserving beer.

Nowadays, hops come in a variety of different types and can give your beer a range of flavours, from citrusy to piney, earthy to floral. So next time you crack open a cold one, remember the humble beginnings of the hops that went into making it!

A History of the World According to Beer

The Brewer’s Tale is a cool book for anyone who loves beer and wants to know more about its history. Beer critic William Bostwick takes you on a journey through time, exploring how beer has been made for thousands of years by farmers, priests, and other interesting people. You’ll learn about the different types of beer from all over the world, like the Babylonian date-and-honey ale and the Viking grog.

Bostwick even shares some old recipes and shows you how to make these ancient beers yourself! Along the way, he meets some cool and creative brewers who share their knowledge and ingredients with him. From sweet mead to sour lambic, you’ll get to taste the different flavours of beers from different eras. The Brewer’s Tale is a fun and fascinating way to discover the beers of the past that you may never have known existed!

Hops Varieties in Beer Making

There are many different hop varieties used in beer making, each with its unique flavour and aroma characteristics. Here are some popular hop varieties and a brief description of their characteristics:

• Cascade: The most popular hop variety, known for its floral and citrusy aroma. It is commonly used in American-style pale ales, IPAs, and other hop-forward beers.
• Centennial: This hop has a similar flavour profile to Cascade, with a floral and citrusy aroma, but it is more balanced and less bitter. It is often used in pale ales, IPAs, and other hoppy beers.
• Chinook: Strong, piney and spicy aroma with some grapefruit notes. It is used in a wide range of beers, from pale ales and IPAs to stouts and porters.
• Hallertau: Classic German variety with a mild, earthy, and spicy aroma. It is often used in German-style lagers and wheat beers.
• Saaz: A variety from Europe, Saaz is known for its delicate, herbal, and floral aroma. It is often used in Pilsners and other light, crisp beers.
• Simcoe: Complex aroma profile with notes of pine, citrus, and tropical fruit. It is commonly used in IPAs, pale ales, and other hoppy beers.
• Tettnang: German hop has a spicy and floral aroma with earthy notes. It is often used in traditional German-style lagers and wheat beers.
• Willamette: Mild, earthy, and floral aroma with some fruity notes. It is often used in American-style ales, porters, and stouts.
• Amarillo: Citrusy and floral aroma, with some tropical fruit notes. It is often used in American-style ales, IPAs, and wheat beers.
• Citra: Strong citrusy and tropical fruit aroma, with some floral notes. It is commonly used in IPAs and other hop-forward beers.
• Columbus: Pungent, resinous, and spicy aroma with some citrus notes. It is often used in IPAs, stouts, and other bold beers.
• Fuggle: This classic English hop has an earthy, woody, and spicy aroma, with some fruity notes. It is commonly used in English-style ales and porters.
• Mosaic: Complex aroma profile, with notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine. It is often used in IPAs, pale ales, and other hoppy beers.
• Magnum: Clean, bitter, and spicy aroma, with some floral notes. It is often used in lagers and other light beers.
• Galaxy: Srong tropical and fruity aroma, with notes of passionfruit, peach, and citrus. It is commonly used in Australian-style IPAs and other hoppy beers.

These are just a few examples of the many hop varieties used in beer making. Each hop can bring its unique flavour and aroma to a beer, and the combination of different hops can create endless possibilities for beer styles and flavour profiles.

Remember, the choice of hop variety ultimately depends on your personal preference and the style of beer you’re trying to make. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things!

Which hops are Piney?

Some popular hop varieties known for their piney flavor include Chinook, Simcoe, and Columbus. These hops are commonly used in American-style IPAs and other hop-forward beers to provide a resinous, pine-like flavor and aroma.

What hops are in Punk IPA?

This is a really common question and actually a complex mixture of hops. Brewdog has a website with brewdog recipes with a full list of hops they use.

This is the current hop recipe for punk IPA and you might be surprised by the number of different hops involved in creating a IPA.

First punk IP

Current Punk IPA Hops

Books on Hops and Beer Making

If you want to read more about Hops there are a number of books to help you on your journey to creating your perfect beer.

Hop Variety Handbook: Dan Woodske

Do you ever wonder why your favourite beer has a particular taste and smell? Hops are responsible for these flavors and aromas, but it’s not as simple as saying “because.”

Hops come in different varieties with varying levels of Alpha Acids, Beta Acids, Myrcene, and other oils and acids. The location where they are grown also affects their characteristics.

This book takes a close look at over 110 different types of hops and breaks down their components so that you can use them properly in your next homebrew. It even gives you a heads up on what flavors and aromas to expect.

After much research and experimentation, Woodske has compiled his “hopped up” knowledge into one easy-to-use guide specifically for homebrewers like you!

Hops. Their Cultivation, Composition and Usage

This book is perfect for people who are interested in learning more about hops. It’s great for scientists, brewers, and students who want to dive deeper into the world of hops.

The book covers everything from the beginning stages of the hop plant all the way to the end product, bottled beer. It’s easy to understand and explains all the latest scientific and technical information about hops.

This book is a complete guide to everything you need to know about the amazing Hop plant.

The Book of Hops: Dan DiSorbo

The Book of Hops: A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide to Hoppiness.

Hops are what make beer taste so good! They add different flavours, smells, and bitterness to your brew.

The Book of Hops is all about these special plants. The book shows pictures of fifty different hops from all over the world and explains what they taste like, where they come from, and how they are used in beer.

The book also has tips from famous brewers and growers and explains how beer is made. There are even some recommended beers to try! This book has everything you need to create your new favourite beer.

The Hops List: Julian Healey

Looking for new hop flavours and aromas from around the world? Look no further than The Hops List!

This book is the ultimate hop dictionary, featuring information on hundreds of different hops, including tasting notes, substitutes, style suggestions, and more. You’ll also get insights from top brewmasters at some of the best craft breweries around, like Deschutes, D.G. Yuengling & Son, and Brooklyn Brewery.

Whether you’re a professional brewer, a homebrewer, or just a beer lover looking to expand your palate, The Hops List is the perfect guide to the world of hops.