As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confirm that Citra hops are indeed considered expensive in the brewing industry. Due to their high demand and limited supply, the price for Citra hops can reach as much as $20 per pound. This is significantly higher compared to other hop varieties.
The scarcity of Citra hops has resulted in a shortage, which has affected beer brewers in various ways. Firstly, it has limited the availability of beers brewed with Citra hops. Brewers often create specialty beers, such as double IPAs, that feature Citra hops for their unique flavor and aroma characteristics. However, due to the high demand, these beers are usually only available for a short period of time, sometimes just a few weeks.
The expensive nature of Citra hops also impacts the overall production costs for breweries. Hop costs are a significant expense in the brewing process, and when using a hop variety like Citra, the expenses can quickly add up. This can affect a brewery's ability to produce certain beers consistently or in large quantities.
Moreover, the high price of Citra hops can also limit the creativity and experimentation of brewers. Many brewers enjoy exploring new flavors and creating unique beer styles, but the cost of using Citra hops may deter them from doing so. Instead, they may opt for more readily available hop varieties that are more affordable.
In my personal experience, I have witnessed the challenges that breweries face when it comes to sourcing and affording Citra hops. I have seen the excitement surrounding limited releases of Citra-hopped beers, as beer enthusiasts flock to try these highly sought-after brews. However, I have also observed the disappointment when these beers quickly sell out and become difficult to find.
To summarize, Citra hops are indeed expensive due to their high demand and limited supply. This scarcity has resulted in a shortage of Citra hops, impacting the availability and production of beers brewed with this popular hop variety. The high cost of Citra hops can also limit the creativity and experimentation of brewers, as they may need to opt for more affordable alternatives.