Hops with Fennel Flavor

Fennel is a herbal, slightly sweet note referring to fennel seeds or mild anise/licorice notes: herbal, spicy, and gently earthy rather than sharp or candy‑like. It often shows up alongside other spice notes (pepper, herbal, woody) and can add complexity and depth, especially when used in moderation or in combination with brighter citrus or floral hops. It can be desirable in styles where subtle spice and herb character fits the profile: many Belgian Ales (Saison, Belgian Blond Ales, Tripels), Farmhouse Ales, some German lagers (German Pils, German Helles, Kölsch) and traditional English styles (Bitter, ESB). It's usually less welcome as a dominant note in modern hop‑forward IPAs, where fruit, citrus, and resin are preferred, but a faint fennel edge can still work in more rustic or mixed‑fermentation IPAs and experimental saisons.

Other descriptors going with Fennel: