Alta Hops

Alta is a Ukrainian hop variety primarily recognized as a bittering hop. With a high alpha acid content (around 13%), it excels in creating a stable and well-rounded bitterness when added early in the boil. Because of this, homebrewers often use Alta as a dependable foundation for bitterness in a wide range of beer styles. Its performance and role in brewing are often compared to the German Magnum variety, making it a solid and consistent option for bittering.

While Alta is mostly employed for its bittering capabilities, it also carries a distinct aroma profile that can add subtle complexity. Brewers may notice notes of black currant, spice, herbs, and floral tones, along with a light fruitiness. These secondary characteristics make Alta a versatile hop when used thoughtfully, providing not just a solid bitter backbone but also an undercurrent of freshness and balance. For homebrewers experimenting with Alta, it's best used in the first hopping stage during wort boiling, where it imparts clean bitterness and subtle supporting aromatics without dominating the beer's profile.