The descriptor "rustic" for beer hops generally refers to complex, earthy, and sometimes slightly spicy or floral flavor profiles. These flavors can create a sense of rural or "old-world" charm, invoking thoughts of traditional brewing methods. Hop varieties like Fuggle, Styrian Golding, or East Kent Golding are often associated with these rustic characteristics.
Rustic hops are desirable in various beer styles, especially those that can benefit from their nuanced flavors. These include English-style ales like Bitters and Milds, where the rustic hops can complement the malt-forward character of these beers. Similarly, Belgian-style ales such as Saisons and Trappist ales can also benefit from rustic hop characteristics, as they tend to harmonize with the beers' complex yeast character and add to the overall depth of flavor. Furthermore, rustic hops can add a unique twist to American craft styles like IPAs or Pale Ales, offering a counterpoint to the more common citrusy or piney hop profiles.
Medusa hops, also known as Multihead hops, are a unique variety of hops in the Neomexicanus subspecies native to Colorado and New Mexico. They are named after their multiheaded cones and are exclusively grown by CLS Farms in Yakima, Washington. Unlike the traditional European hops, Medusa hops belong to a different species, Humulus lupulus neomexicanus. These hops have gained attention …