Styrian Golding hops, also known as Savinjski Golding or Styrian Celeia, are a versatile hop variety that is widely used in the brewing industry. These hops originated in Slovenia and are named after the Styria region where they are grown.
One of the main uses of Styrian Golding hops is for aroma and flavor in beer. These hops have a delicate and slightly spicy aroma, which adds a unique character to the beer. The aroma is often described as earthy, herbal, and floral, with some citrus and lemon notes. This makes them a popular choice for adding a subtle yet distinctive hop profile to a wide range of beer styles.
Styrian Golding hops can be used in both ales and lagers, making them quite versatile. In ales, they are commonly used for late hop additions, where they can contribute to the beer's aroma and flavor. These hops can also be used for dry hopping, which involves adding hops to the beer during fermentation or aging to enhance the hop aroma.
In lagers, Styrian Golding hops can be used for both bittering and aroma. They have a moderate alpha acid content, which means they can contribute to the beer's bitterness when added early in the brewing process. However, their true potential shines when used for aroma, as their delicate and complex flavors can complement the clean and crisp characteristics of lagers.
One interesting use of Styrian Golding hops is in Belgian-style beers. These hops have been used by many Belgian breweries to create traditional Belgian ales, such as Saisons and Belgian Blondes. The earthy and floral aroma of the hops can enhance the fruity and spicy yeast flavors that are characteristic of these beer styles. Additionally, some British breweries have also started using Styrian Golding hops for dry hopping, adding a unique twist to their hop-forward beers.
Craft brewers, in particular, have embraced the use of Styrian Golding hops in their recipes. These hops provide a distinct flavor profile that can set their beers apart from others. The versatility of these hops allows brewers to experiment with different beer styles and create unique and interesting brews.
In my personal experience as a brewer, I have used Styrian Golding hops in a variety of beers, including IPAs, Saisons, and Belgian-style ales. I have found that the delicate and slightly spicy aroma of these hops adds a pleasant complexity to the beer, without overpowering the other flavors. They work well in combination with other hop varieties, as well as with different yeast strains, allowing for endless possibilities in beer brewing.
Styrian Golding hops are a versatile hop variety that is widely used in the brewing industry. They are known for their delicate and slightly spicy aroma, which can enhance the flavor profile of a wide range of beer styles. Whether it's adding a subtle hop character to ales or complementing the clean characteristics of lagers, Styrian Golding hops offer brewers a unique and flavorful ingredient to create their beers.