When it comes to pairing hops with Eclipse, there are a few options that can complement its unique flavor profile. Here are some hops that I have found to pair well with Eclipse in my brewing experiences:
1. Citra: Citra hops are known for their intense citrus flavors, making them a great match for Eclipse. The combination of Eclipse's sweet mandarin and Citra's bright citrus notes can create a burst of fruity flavors in your beer. I have used Citra as a late addition and dry hop in my Eclipse brews, and it really enhances the zesty and refreshing qualities of the hop.
2. Amarillo: Amarillo hops bring a distinct orange and floral character to the table, which can beautifully complement the sweet mandarin notes in Eclipse. I have found that using Amarillo as a late addition or in dry hopping helps to highlight the zesty citrus peel aspect of Eclipse, while adding a subtle floral aroma to the beer.
3. Simcoe: Simcoe hops offer a unique blend of piney and citrusy flavors, making them a great choice to pair with Eclipse. The fresh pine needle notes in Eclipse can be enhanced with the addition of Simcoe hops, creating a more pronounced piney aroma in the beer. I have used Simcoe as a late addition to my Eclipse brews and it adds a nice complexity to the hop profile.
4. Galaxy: Galaxy hops are known for their tropical fruit and citrus flavors, which can play well with the sweet mandarin and zesty citrus peel notes in Eclipse. The combination of Galaxy and Eclipse can result in a hazy fruit bomb of a beer, bursting with tropical fruit aromas and flavors. I have used Galaxy as a late addition and dry hop in my Eclipse brews, and it really amplifies the fruity aspects of the hop.
5. Mosaic: Mosaic hops bring a range of flavors including tropical fruit, citrus, and pine. When paired with Eclipse, Mosaic can add another layer of complexity to the hop profile. The tropical fruit notes in Mosaic can complement the sweet mandarin in Eclipse, while the citrus and pine flavors can enhance the zesty citrus peel and fresh pine needle aspects. I have used Mosaic as both a late addition and dry hop in my Eclipse brews, and it adds a delightful blend of flavors to the beer.
There are several hops that pair well with Eclipse, each bringing their own unique flavors to the table. Whether you want to create a hazy fruit bomb or a lighter style beer, experimenting with different combinations of Citra, Amarillo, Simcoe, Galaxy, and Mosaic can help you achieve the desired hop profile in your Eclipse brew.