Topaz hops, a unique and intriguing variety, have an interesting and somewhat unconventional origin story. Developed by Hop Products Australia in 1985, Topaz was meticulously bred in the Rostrevor Breeding Garden in Victoria. The aim was to create a high-alpha hop, one that would possess a strong bitterness suitable for brewing beer.
To achieve this, the breeders at Hop Products Australia employed a crossbreeding technique. They combined an Australian high-alpha variety with a male hop sourced from Wye College in England. This cross-pollination gave birth to Topaz, blending the best characteristics of both Australian and European hops.
The result of this careful breeding is a truly unique hop variety with a distinct flavor profile. Topaz offers a delightful combination of fruity and spicy aromas, making it a versatile choice for brewers looking to add complexity to their beers. Its alpha acid content, which contributes to bitterness, is also notably high.
One of the fascinating aspects of Topaz is its ability to bridge the gap between traditional European hop flavors and the vibrant hop profiles typically associated with Australian varieties. This makes it a particularly interesting hop for brewers who want to experiment with different flavor profiles in their beers.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of working with Topaz hops in several brewing projects. I found that it added a delightful fruity and citrusy character to the beers, reminiscent of tropical fruits such as mango and passionfruit. These flavors, coupled with a subtle spiciness, created a truly unique and enjoyable drinking experience.
In terms of brewing applications, Topaz hops can be used in a variety of beer styles. Its high alpha acid content makes it especially suitable for bittering, providing a solid foundation of bitterness in the beer. Additionally, its complex flavor and aroma profile make it a great choice for late hop additions and dry hopping, where its fruity and spicy characteristics can truly shine.
To summarize, Topaz hops were developed by Hop Products Australia in 1985 through a careful crossbreeding process. This unique hop variety combines the best qualities of Australian and European hops, resulting in a complex flavor and aroma profile. With its high alpha acid content and intriguing fruity and spicy characteristics, Topaz is a valuable addition to any brewer's arsenal, offering endless possibilities for creating unique and flavorful beers.