When it comes to brewing beer, the species of hops used can vary depending on the style of beer being brewed and the preferences of the brewer. However, there are certain hop varieties that have become quite popular in the North American brewing scene.
Cascade hops is one of the most widely used hop varieties in North America. It is known for its distinctive floral and citrusy aroma, which lends a pleasant hop character to beers. Cascade hops were first developed in the 1970s in the United States and have since become a staple in many American pale ales and IPAs.
Another popular hop variety is Columbus hops, also known as CTZ (Columbus, Tomahawk, and Zeus). Columbus hops have a high alpha acid content, which means they contribute a strong bitterness to beers. They also have a pungent aroma with notes of citrus, earthiness, and spice. Columbus hops are often used in hop-forward styles such as IPAs and double IPAs to provide both bitterness and flavor.
Centennial hops is another American hop variety that is widely used in brewing. It is known for its balanced aroma and flavor profile, with notes of floral, citrus, and pine. Centennial hops are often used in a variety of beer styles, including pale ales, IPAs, and even some lagers. They can contribute both bitterness and aroma to a beer, making them quite versatile.
Willamette hops, named after the Willamette Valley in Oregon where they were first grown, are another popular choice for brewers. They have a mild and pleasant aroma, with notes of floral, earthiness, and spice. Willamette hops are often used in American and English-style ales, as well as some lagers, to provide a balanced hop character without overpowering the other flavors in the beer.
Amarillo hops is a relatively new hop variety that has gained popularity in recent years. It is known for its intense aroma and flavor profile, with notes of citrus, tropical fruits, and floral. Amarillo hops are often used in hop-forward styles such as IPAs and pale ales to provide a vibrant and aromatic hop character.
In addition to these commonly used hop varieties, there are many other hop varieties that brewers can choose from. The United States has been at the forefront of hop breeding in recent years, with new hop varieties being developed and released regularly. Some of these newer varieties include Simcoe, Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado, which have gained a lot of popularity for their unique and bold flavors.
The choice of hop variety in brewing is a personal one for each brewer. It depends on the desired flavors and aromas they want to achieve in their beers. The North American brewing scene has seen a surge in the development and use of new hop varieties, leading to a wide range of options for brewers to experiment with and create unique and flavorful beers.