Dual-purpose hops are a category of hops used in beer brewing that possess both bittering and aroma qualities. These versatile hops combine the attributes of high alpha acid levels, responsible for imparting bitterness, and essential oils that provide aroma and flavor, thus offering brewers the flexibility to use them at different stages of the brewing process.
In beer brewing, dual-purpose hops can be added during the boil for bittering, or later in the process as a flavor or aroma addition. The utilization of these hops allows brewers to create well-rounded and complex beers, as they can provide a balance of bitterness, flavor, and aroma in a single hop variety. Examples of popular dual-purpose hops include Cascade, Citra, and Simcoe, which are known for their distinct flavor profiles and have become staples in the craft brewing industry.
Cascade hops are an immensely popular hop variety that originated in the United States and have become a cornerstone of American craft brewing. Developed by the USDA breeding program in Oregon in the 1950s, Cascade hops were first released in 1972 and quickly gained popularity among brewers for their unique flavor profile and excellent brewing characteristics. They are the result …
Citra hops are developed by the Hop Breeding Company from crossing Hallertauer Mittelfrüh and a father derived from U.S. Tettnang. They were first released in 2008 and are typically used as a dual-purpose hop, meaning they can be used for both bittering and aroma in beer production.
Citra hops owe their name to the distinct, fruit-forward citrus characteristics they bring …
Centennial hops, a popular variety among homebrewers and craft breweries alike, were first developed in the United States by the USDA breeding program in the late 20th century. They were released in 1990 as a part of the program's centennial celebration, hence the name "Centennial" hops. This variety is the result of a crossbreeding between Brewer's Gold and …
Mosaic hops, a relatively recent addition to the world of brewing, have quickly become a favorite among homebrewers and craft breweries alike. Developed by the Hop Breeding Company in 2012, Mosaic is a unique hybrid of the Nugget and Simcoe hop varieties, which are both well-regarded for their distinct flavor profiles. The name "Mosaic" was chosen to reflect …