Tarragon's unique flavor, characterized by a sweet anise-like profile, is desirable in specific beer styles that appreciate a more complex herbaceous characteristic. Typically, these are found among certain Belgian and French ale styles, where tarragon-like notes from hops can add depth to the already rich, spicy, and fruity yeast profiles. The nuances brought about by tarragon flavor can also be intriguing in certain farmhouse ales, saisons, and gruits, where unconventional and botanical flavor profiles are often explored and appreciated.
When selecting hops, it's all about balance and harmony with the overall flavor of the beer. Some hop varieties, such as Strisselspalt or Aramis from the Alsace region of France, offer subtle tarragon and herbal characteristics which can elegantly support and elevate the beer's profile without overpowering the essential malt and yeast flavors. The result can be a unique, memorable beer that offers a distinctive taste experience. Remember, the key is subtlety, as too much of this herbaceous character could potentially make the beer taste more like a culinary experiment than a balanced brew.
Smaragd, meaning "emerald" in German, is a fine aroma variety that was bred at the Hop Research Institute in Hüll, Germany. It was developed as a disease-resistant alternative to Hallertau Mittelfrüh and was released for large-scale production in 2000. This hop is known for its high yield and good disease characteristics. It is predominantly grown in Germany, where it …