Hops: What's the Big Whoop?
Perhaps, like me, you've found yourself in the world of craft beer and suddenly everyone is talking about hops. But where do you even start? Fear not! I've been researching and interviewing Fernson team members to help you unravel the mysteries behind these green cone-shaped wonders. Join me on a learning journey into the bitterness, aroma, and flavor of hops, with a few delightful surprises along the way.
Introduction to Hops: Hidden Gems
Hops are more than just green flowers; they're the flavor conductors of your beer. Inside those cones lie lupulin, the source of bitterness and aroma. Lupulin is a yellow sticky substance inside the green cones. Hops grow best in moderate climates like Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. So, it's no coincidence that these are the top hop producers in the U.S.
Hop Varieties: Balancing act of Bitterness and Aroma
Hops are categorized into three main groups for simplicity: bitterness, aroma, and dual varieties. Bittering Hops, with their high acid content, bring a distinct flavor to beer. Aroma hops are the go-to for enhancing the scent and taste of a brew. Dual hops, as the name implies, offer a harmonious blend of both bitter and aromatic qualities. Now, let's meet the stars:
Cascade: A hop classic with a spicy, citrusy vibe and a hint of grapefruit. An OG of the hop world.
Citra: A newer variety released in 2007. In 2018, Fernson's Shy Giant found its groove with Citra hops, blending the IPA with modern notes of mango and grapefruit.
Mosaic: Bringing tropical, blueberry, and tangerine notes, adding a twist to beer.
Simcoe: A heavyweight in the craft beer industry, boasting several different aromas, including passion fruit, pine, earthy, and citrus, and strong bittering qualities.
Idaho 7: Native to Boise, Idaho, this hop is ripe with a zesty tangerine flavor reminiscent of marmalade - shout out all the Paddington fans!!
Hallertau Mittelfrüh: A classic noble aroma popular in all traditional German styles. Mild bittering, but clean and crisp. A very solid stable hop, which is why it is used in Lions Paw Lager.
Cryo Pop: Containing less green material and more of the yellow sticky lupulin, these hops suck up less beer, avoiding the astringency you can get from traditional cone or pellet hops. Fernson has been using this much more recently.
Chemistry Behind Hops: From Sticky Flower to Liquid Gold
Lab coats on! The most crucial ingredient in hops is alpha acids, as these undergo a process called isomerization. The process of isomerization takes place during boiling, transforming into iso-alpha acids that dissolve into the beer, giving it that perfect bitterness. It's like baking—precise temperatures and timing matter, and you follow a recipe to the letter. That was science-heavy, but brewing is a balance between art and science.
Hops and Beer - Decoding Names and Flavors
Names and branding can be an overwhelming experience in the beverage section. There are so many different types of IPAs that making a decision can be very difficult. Have you ever wondered about West Coast IPA vs. Hazy IPA? Well, the West Coast packs a bitter punch, while Hazy is a smooth, juicy experience. IBUs (International Bitterness Units) are your guide, like Scoville units for hot sauces—giving you a heads-up on the bitterness level. Similar to coffee being an acquired taste, IPAs function in the same way. A Hazy IPA is a good starting point as you will not be overwhelmed with bitterness but still get the full flavor you are looking for. That’s where Shy Giant comes into the fray. Shy Giant was brewed to align with one of Fernson’s core values: approachable. Beer and IPAs specifically are meant to be enjoyed by anyone, and for that to happen, you need a versatile beer.
Shelf Life: When to Enjoy?
Can I admit something a little embarrassing? I was not aware that hops had a best-by date, that there are subtle taste differences depending on when they are enjoyed. Try to think of it like changing the settings on your car stereo. If you crack open a Shy Giant within two weeks of the brew date, the hops and other notes will be very strong and present; just like turning up the bass on a specific song. But if you enjoy a Shy Giant from that same batch two months later, the recipe will be a bit more homogenous and play more evenly, like an expert producer has had time to even out some edges. This is not to dissuade you from trying an IPA close to the brew date; it just highlights how hard hops keep working even after the beer is in your fridge at home!
Hops at Fernson:
Shy Giant: Embracing Citra hops for a flavorful journey. The perfect place to start your hop journey.
Lions Paw: Hallertau Mittelfrüh: classic nobility in the hop realm - just like our beer.
Gallivant Batch 10: Citra, Simcoe, and Idaho 7 hops are used for that twist in taste. Come back to Gallivant to try the same batch but for a subtle difference in experience.
Seed Series Hazy IPAs: A hoppy exploration in every sip. We test out our hypothesis with different hops to bring you a new experience every time!
Seed Series American Pale Ale: A hop-infused masterpiece. Be on the lookout for the classic Cascade hop to be used in this beer. Made for the OGs of the craft beer world!
Cheers to Your Adventure:
As we wrap up this journey into the enchanting world of hops, remember that your beer experience is just beginning. Dive into the rich flavors, aromas, and stories behind each Fernson brew. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just starting your hop exploration, there's a pint waiting for you. Explore Fernson's lineup, from the Citra-infused wonders of Shy Giant to the classic nobility of Lions Paw and the experimental delights in our Seed Series. Join us in celebrating the artistry of brewing, where each beer is a symphony of flavors, with hops taking center stage.
Ready to embark on your hop-infused adventure? Visit our brewery, check out our latest releases, and follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes glimpses. Let your beer journey continue, and let the green magic of hops bring people together. Cheers and Happy Holidays Friends!
Words By Cole Casper