Sticklebract Hops

Sticklebract hops hail from New Zealand and were developed as a solution to the Black Root Rot issues that plagued the country during the mid-20th century. Originating from the breeding program at the DSIR Research Station, Sticklebract was introduced in 1972 as a cross between First Choice and open pollination. This was a time when First Choice played a pivotal role in a breeding program aimed at mitigating the impact of Black Root Rot on the predominant variety, Late Cluster. Sticklebract was initially released as a high alpha bittering hop. However, over time, it has evolved into a dual-purpose hop, renowned for its distinctive citrus and pine flavors.

The aroma profile of Sticklebract is predominantly shaped by its high selinene and myrcene content, giving it a unique English, piney-citrusy bouquet. This dual-use hop boasts a high alpha acid content, hovering around 13.0%, which lends a robust foundation to the bitterness levels in brews. Often compared to Simcoe, Sticklebract offers a potent aroma contribution. Its piney citrus character is attributed to its high selinine levels, further complemented by significant myrcene oil and farnesene oil levels. This versatility makes Sticklebract a favorite from boiling to dry-hopping in the beer brewing process. It's particularly popular among breweries in the UK and Poland, and its flavor profile makes it suitable for a range of beer styles, including Pale Ales, IPAs, Brown Ales, Stout, and Porter.