"Delicate" as a descriptor for beer hops refers to hop varieties that impart subtle, nuanced flavors and aromas to the beer, rather than bold or aggressive ones. These hops might contribute notes of floral, light citrus, or soft herbal characteristics, without overwhelming the beer's overall profile. Such hops are often used in beer styles where a balanced or gentle hop presence is desired, allowing other ingredients or characteristics, like malt flavors or yeast-derived esters, to shine through. Popular in styles like Pilsners, certain Pale Ales, and some Belgian ales, the use of delicate hops ensures that the beer remains approachable and not overly bitter or hop-forward.
Strisselspalt hops originate from the Alsace region of France, around Strasbourg, and are likely related to German Spalt and/or Hersbrucker hops. They are considered an old landrace, meaning they have developed naturally over time, without intentional breeding. Despite their relatively low yield, Strisselspalt hops continue to be cultivated due to strong domestic demand for the variety.
Strisselspalt is a premium …
Hallertau hops, originally from Germany, have found a unique expression in the soils and climate of New Zealand. The New Zealand Hallertau variant, often referred to as Hallertau (NZ), is a triploid hop that was bred from the German Hallertauer Mittelfrüh and a New Zealand male cultivar. This innovative breeding was introduced in 1988 by HortResearch, which is now …