Motueka hops, formerly known as Belgian Saaz or B Saaz, have an interesting origin story. These hops were developed by HortResearch, a leading research institute in New Zealand. The breeders at HortResearch wanted to create a hop variety that would be well-suited for brewing lagers, pilsners, and Belgian ales.
To develop Motueka hops, HortResearch took inspiration from the classic Saaz hops, which are renowned for their delicate aroma and flavor profile. Saaz hops are traditionally grown in the Czech Republic and are a staple in many European lagers and pilsners. They contribute a spicy, earthy, and slightly floral character to the beer.
In their breeding program, HortResearch crossed Saaz hops with an unnamed New Zealand breeding strain. This cross-pollination resulted in a new hop variety that inherited the desirable qualities of Saaz hops while also incorporating unique characteristics from the New Zealand strain.
The result was Motueka hops, named after the region in New Zealand where HortResearch is located. Motueka hops are known for their vibrant and complex flavor profile, which includes notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and resinous pine. These hops bring a bright and refreshing element to beers, making them a popular choice among brewers looking to add a unique twist to their brews.
Motueka hops have gained recognition and popularity in the brewing industry, both in New Zealand and internationally. They are often used as a single hop in beers, allowing their distinct flavors to shine through. Additionally, Motueka hops are frequently used in combination with other hop varieties to create complex and well-balanced brews.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of using Motueka hops in my own brewing experiments. The aroma they impart is truly remarkable, with a zesty and tropical fragrance that instantly transports you to a sunny paradise. When used in a pilsner, Motueka hops added a refreshing citrus character that perfectly complemented the clean and crisp nature of the beer style.
I have also come across commercial beers that showcase the unique qualities of Motueka hops. One memorable experience was trying a Belgian ale that featured Motueka as the primary hop. The combination of the fruity esters from the yeast and the tropical flavors from the hops created a delightful and complex beer that was a joy to sip.
Motueka hops have their roots in the classic Saaz hops from the Czech Republic and were developed by crossing them with a New Zealand breeding strain. The resulting hop variety, named after the region in New Zealand where they were bred, brings a vibrant and complex flavor profile to beers. Whether used as a single hop or in combination with others, Motueka hops add a unique twist to lagers, pilsners, and Belgian ales, making them a popular choice among brewers seeking to create exciting and memorable brews.