Citra hops have gained immense popularity among craft and home brewers for their exceptional citrus aroma and flavor. These hops are a popular choice in American-style beers, adding a strong citrusy punch to your brew. But the Citra hop profile goes beyond just citrus; it offers a delightful array of tropical fruit flavors and aromas.
When it comes to aroma, Citra hops deliver a potent burst of citrus. The most prominent notes include grapefruit and lime, which give your beer a refreshing and zesty character. But that's not all – Citra hops also bring in hints of other tropical fruits like peach, apricot, passion fruit, and even melon. Imagine the delightful combination of these flavors in your beer!
The flavor profile of Citra hops is just as enticing as its aroma. When used for late hop additions or dry hopping, Citra hops can create the ultimate hop bomb IPA, NEIPA, or Pale Ale. The intense citrus flavors are complemented by the sweet fruity notes of grapefruit, lime, and gooseberry. You'll also experience a pleasant touch of passion fruit and lychee, adding complexity to your brew.
Aside from the fantastic flavor and aroma, Citra hops offer some potential health benefits. The flavor compounds found in these hops may help in reducing levels of LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. By incorporating Citra hops into your beer, you can contribute to maintaining a healthy heart and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Moreover, Citra hops contain compounds that may positively impact your mood. So, sipping on a beer brewed with Citra hops might just put a smile on your face. The tropical fruit flavors and aromas can evoke a sense of joy and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for those looking to unwind after a long day.
Citra hops are a highly sought-after ingredient among brewers for good reason. The intense citrus aroma and flavor, along with the tropical fruit notes, make for a truly delightful beer experience. Whether you're brewing an IPA, NEIPA, or Pale Ale, Citra hops will undoubtedly elevate your brew to new heights. So, why not give Citra hops a try and experience the tropical explosion in your glass? Cheers!
What Is The Citra Hops Flavor Profile?
The Citra hops variety is widely favored in American style beers due to its distinct citrus aroma, which is its most prominent characteristic. However, the flavor profile of Citra hops extends beyond just citrus notes. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the various flavors and aromas associated with Citra hops:
1. Citrus: As the name suggests, Citra hops offer a strong citrus aroma, with prominent notes of grapefruit, lime, and tangerine. These citrus flavors add a refreshing and zesty element to the beer.
2. Peach and Apricot: In addition to citrus, Citra hops impart flavors of peach and apricot to the brew. These stone fruit notes provide a subtle sweetness and contribute to the overall fruity profile of the beer.
3. Passion Fruit: Citra hops are also known for their distinct passion fruit flavors. This tropical fruit note adds a unique and exotic character to the beer, enhancing its complexity.
4. Lemon: Another citrus note found in Citra hops is lemon. This adds a tangy and bright flavor to the brew, complementing the other citrus elements.
5. Melon: Citra hops can also lend flavors of melon, particularly cantaloupe and honeydew. These melon notes add a refreshing and juicy quality to the beer.
6. Tropical Fruits: Alongside passion fruit, Citra hops can contribute to a range of tropical fruit flavors. Pineapple, mango, and papaya are often detected, bringing a tropical twist to the beer.
The Citra hops flavor profile is a delightful combination of citrus, stone fruit, tropical fruit, and melon notes. These flavors and aromas work together to create a vibrant and refreshing beer experience.
What Hop Goes Best With Citra?
When it comes to pairing hops with Citra, one combination that stands out is Citra® + Mosaic® + Galaxy®. This trio of hops creates an exceptional flavor profile for hazy IPAs, making it a popular choice among brewers.
The Citra hop is known for its bright citrusy notes, with hints of grapefruit, lime, and tropical fruits. It brings a refreshing and zesty quality to the beer. Mosaic hops, on the other hand, add a complex layer of flavors, including blueberry, mango, and stone fruit. This hop variety contributes a unique sweetness and a touch of resinous character to the beer. Lastly, Galaxy hops bring a burst of tropical fruit flavors, such as passionfruit, pineapple, and peach, which perfectly complements the citrus and sweet fruit notes of Citra and Mosaic.
When combined in a 1:1:1 ratio, Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy hops create an explosion of juicy flavors and aromas in hazy IPAs. The citrus, sweet fruit, and berry notes intertwine harmoniously, resulting in a beer that is incredibly flavorful and aromatic.
To summarize, the Citra® + Mosaic® + Galaxy® hop combination is widely regarded as the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) for hazy IPAs. Its 1:1:1 ratio produces a beer with exceptionally juicy flavors and aromas, featuring citrus, sweet fruit, and berry characteristics.
Conclusion
Citra hops are highly regarded in the brewing community for their exceptional citrus aroma and flavor. With notes of grapefruit, lime, gooseberry, passion fruit, and lychee, these hops add a delightful tropical twist to American style beers. The combination of peach, apricot, and melon flavors further enhances the complexity of the brew. Not only do Citra hops contribute to a beer's taste, but they also offer potential health benefits. The presence of compounds that can reduce LDL cholesterol levels promotes heart health and reduces the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the mood-boosting properties of Citra hops make them a favorite among brewers and beer enthusiasts alike. Whether you're brewing a hazy IPA, NEIPA, or Pale Ale, incorporating Citra hops into your recipe will undoubtedly result in a flavorful and aromatic masterpiece.
