Hop Profiles

This list of beer hops outlines alpha acids, beer styles, flavor descriptions, and possible substitutes for various hop types.

Hop Profile List:

ADMIRAL

  • Alpha Acid: 11-15%
  • Bittering
  • Admiral hops were created at the Horticulture Research International (HRI) at Wye College. It was created by breeding Northdown and Challenger varieties, and resulted in hops that adds citrusy and orange flavors. A good compliment hop to Targets.
  • Use For: English style IPA and other ales
  • Substitutes: Challenger, Northdown

  • AHTANUM

  • Alpha Acid: 5.7-6.3%
  • Finishing
  • This hop comes from the Ahtanum Creek Valley in Yakima County in Washington. Fruity flavors and a spicy aroma, a little woodsy, earthy.
  • Use For: American Style ales
  • Substitutes: Amarillo, Cascade

  • AMARILLO

  • Alpha Acid: 8-10%
  • Bittering, Flavor
  • A flowery, citrus-like aroma (more orange than grapefruit) with medium bittering value that is gaining acceptance as a substitute for Cascade due to its hardy nature.
  • Used For: Good for bittering and flavor, but an acceptable aroma hop as well. Pale Ales, IPAs, Porters
  • Substitutes: Cascade, Centennial

  • APOLLO

  • Alpha Acid: 18-21%
  • Bittering
  • A Super High alpha variety with Citrus notes, emphasis on orange, resiny, spicy.
  • Use For: Any beer with a big hop profile, definitely all american!
  • Substitutes: Magnum, Columbus

  • AQUILA

  • Alpha Acid: 6-7.5%
  • Finishing
  • Recently developed as an aroma hop originating in the U.S.
  • Use For: American ales
  • Substitutes: Cluster, Galena

  • BANNER

  • Alpha Acid: 9-11%
  • Dual Purpose
  • Similar to Aquila and Cluster with good yield.
  • Used For:Bittering with good flavor. Light and dark American lagers.
  • Substitutes: Aquila, Cluster, Galena

  • BRAMLING CROSS

  • Alpha Acid: 5-8%
  • All Purpose
  • Variety Bramling crossed with a male seedling from a Manitoba female. Blackcurrant, lemony aroma.
  • Used For: Can be good for spiced ales
  • Substitutes: Bullion, Northern Brewer and Galena

  • BRAVO

  • Alpha Acid: 14-17%
  • Bittering
  • New Super High Alpha. The higher Co-Ho levels mean a not completely smooth bittering, but not as harsh as Chinook. (it's bittering properties are similar to Simcoe). Flavor and aroma are described as an earthy spice and herb, fruity and floral It's a decendant of Zeus and Nugget.
  • Used For: American IPA, American Pale Ale, American Stout
  • Substitutes: Columbus, Tomahawk, Zeus

  • BREWERS GOLD

  • Alpha Acid: 6-9%
  • All Purpose
  • Sibling of and similar to Bullion only maturing earlier and more disease resistant. English/wild Canadian cross. Pungent English character.
  • Used for: Mainly bittering. Stouts and Dark ales.
  • Substitutes: Bullion, Northern Brewer and Galena ,Bramling Cross.

  • BULLION

  • Alpha Acid: 6.5-9%
  • Bittering
  • Intense,black currant aroma, spicy and pungent. One of the earliest high alpha hops in the world. Raised in 1919 in England from a wild Manitoban female crossed with an English male hop.
  • Used for: Mainly bittering. Stouts and Dark ales.
  • Substitutes: Brewers Gold, Northern Brewer and Galena ,Bramling Cross, Mt Ranier

  • CALYPSO

  • Alpha Acid: 10- 12.0%
  • Dual Purpose Hop
  • Pleasant, fruity aroma, with hints of pear and apple
  • Used For: Ales, Stouts and Barley Wines.
  • Substitutes: none

  • CASCADE

  • Alpha Acid: 4-7%
  • All purpose
  • Flowery, citrus & spice with grapefruit the noticeable fragrance quite often. This medium aroma balances the low bittering value. Derived from a cross between fuggles and the Russian hop Serebrianker. Very popular hop among craft brewers.
  • Used For: Good for flavor and aroma, but an acceptable bittering hop. Pale Ales, IPAs, Porters
  • Substitutes: Amarillo, Centennial, Ahtanum, and possibly Columbus

  • CENTENNIAL

  • Alpha Acid: 9-11%
  • Bittering - Aroma
  • Flowers & citrus most evident. A medium aroma with mid to high bittering value makes it a dual purpose choice. Cross between Brewer's Gold and a selected USDA male.
  • Used For: Aromatic but acceptable for bittering. Medium to Dark American Ales, IPAs.
  • Substitutes: Cascade, Amarillo

  • CHALLENGER (UK)

  • Alpha Acid: 7-10%
  • All purpose
  • Mild to Moderate aroma, quite spicy. One of the few recognized all-purpose hops combining moderate amounts of alpha acid with a good kettle aroma.
  • Used For: Popular bittering hop used primarily in the UK. British ales and lagers
  • Substitutes: Northern Brewer, Perle

  • CHINOOK

  • Alpha Acid: 11-13%
  • Bittering
  • Mild to medium-heavy, spicy, distinct piney aroma like a pine forest washed with exotic spice and infused with grapefruit. This alluring aroma and a high bittering value has gained this hop full respect from craft & major brewers. Cross between Petham Golding and USDA select male
  • Used For: Strong bittering ability. Most beer styles from Pale Ales to Lagers
  • Substitutes:: Eroica, Galena,Cluster,Nugget, Bullion

  • CITRA

  • Alpha Acid: 10-11%
  • All Purpose
  • Very fruity Citrus, peach, apricot, passion fruit, grapefruit, lime, melon, gooseberry, lychee fruit, pineapple, mango, papaya and other tropical fruit flavors and aromas. A very new high alpha Hallertauer Mittelfrüh, Tettnanger, EKG hybrid with distinctive citrus aroma.
  • Use For: Pale ales, IPA
  • Substitutes: Simcoe, and other fruity citrusy "C" hops

  • CLUSTER

  • Alpha Acid: 5.5-8.5%
  • All Purpose
  • Floral aroma, Excellent general purpose hop with medium and well-balanced bittering potential and no undesirable aroma properties. Good for Dark beers.
  • Used For: Bittering with good flavor. Light and dark American lagers.
  • Substitutes: Galena,Chinook, Eroica.

  • COLUMBIA

  • Alpha Acid: 12-16%
  • Bittering
  • A Centenial substitute. Very pungent, aromatic, and clean tasting.
  • Used For: ambers, ales, pale ales, porters and stouts.
  • Substitutes: Centennial, chinook, eroica

  • COLUMBUS

  • Alpha Acid: 13-16%
  • All Purpose
  • Earthy, spicy, pungent, with some citrus overtones. Not overwhelmingly citrus like Cascade. High on the bittering scale yet also valued for its oil content creates a hop that is an interesting dichotomy of sharp and herbal, suprisingly pleasant aroma.
  • Used For: Bittering mainly, good flavor. American IPAs & Pale Ales, Stout, Lager
  • Substitutes: Centennial, Chinook, Galena, Nugget, AKA Zeus/Tomahawk

  • COMET

  • Alpha Acid: 8-11%
  • Bittering
  • A rare U.S. hop. Used primarily for their bittering character. Wild American aroma that is objectionable to some brewers, Comet today is no longer grown commercially.
  • Used For: Most ales and lagers
  • Substitutes: Galena

  • CRYSTAL

  • Alpha Acid: 3-5%
  • Finishing and Aroma
  • Created in Corvallis Oregon in 1983, this type of Hallertau was crossed with USDA 21381M. Mild and pleasant, a delicate blend of spices and flowers. Low bittering value adds to the charm. Known as a triploid, three hops contributing characteristics: Cascade, Brewer's Gold and Early
  • Substitutes: Liberty,Mt. Hood,German Hallertau, Ultra

  • DELTA

  • Alpha Acid: 6.5%
  • Dual Purpose
  • Aroma Type Hop Mild and pleasant, slightly spicy with a hint of citrus.
  • Used For: American Pale ales, American IPA, experiment with new styles
  • Substitutes: none

  • EROICA

  • Alpha Acid: 11-13%
  • All Purpose
  • Aroma is quite strong, but not unpleasant. Better aroma than many high alpha acid hops. Suitable for general bittering. Bred by open pollination of Brewer's Gold.
  • Used For: bittering and good aroma for high alpha hops (use sparingly). Pale ales, dark ales and Stouts
  • Substitutes: Chinook, Cluster, Galena, Nugget.

  • FIRST GOLD

  • Alpha Acid: 6-9%
  • All Purpose
  • Pleasant citrus/apricot nose that is outstanding in ESB's, IPA's, or fruit beers. Dwarf hop with fine English Golding character with Higher alpha.
  • Use For: English style ales, porters, fruit beers
  • Substitutes: any Golding variety

  • FUGGLE

  • Alpha Acid: 4.0-5.5%
  • Finishing
  • Classic English aroma hop with moderate bittering value. Mild and pleasant, spicy, soft, woody, with some fruit tones. Also known over-seas as Styrian Golding.
  • Used For: Finishing, Dry hopping. English ales, especially Pale ales, Porters, Stouts.
  • Substitutes: Willamette, East Kent Goldings, Styrian Goldings.

  • GALAXY

  • Alpha Acid: 11-13%
  • All Purpose
  • Australian high alpha dual purpose hop with a big unique aroma, described as a combination of citrus and passionfruit. Used in Widmer Galaxy Hopped Barley Wine.
  • Used For: Good for bittering with tropical fruit flavors and very fragrant. Pale Ales, IPA's, Barley Wines
  • Substitutes: Simcoe, Citra, Amarillo any IPA type Hop.

  • GALENA

  • Alpha Acid: 10-12%
  • Bittering
  • Medium aroma but pleasant hoppiness. Bred from Brewer's Gold by open pollination. Excellent high alpha acid hop with balanced bittering profiles paired with acceptable hop aroma.
  • Used For: Very bitter, but blends well with finishing hops. American ales, stouts and lagers. Suitable for all beer styles.
  • Substitutes: Nugget, Cluster, Chinook.

  • GERMAN PERLE

  • Alpha Acid: 6-10%
  • Aroma and Bittering
  • Released in 1978 and bred at the Hüll Hop Research Institute from the English Northern Brewer variety.
  • Used For: Aroma. SA highly versatile hop that is used in Pale Ales, Porters, Stout, Lager, Pilsner, Weizen, Ale, Alt, Kölsch, and Munich Helles.
  • Substitutes: Nugget, Cluster, Chinook.

  • GLACIER

  • Alpha Acid: 5-6%
  • Finishing
  • Pleasant aroma of citrus mixed with sweet fruity of pear or apricot. Aroma seems to be the strong suit of this hop.
  • Use For: American ale or ESB
  • Substitutes: Palisade

  • GOLDING

  • Alpha Acid: 4-5%
  • Finishing
  • Refined Gentle, Fragrant and pleasant with flowery tones, that has produced some of England's best bitters.
  • Used For: Classic English ales, kettle hopping, dry hopping, spicy flavor. All English-style beers (Ales, ESB, Bitter), Belgian-style Ales
  • Substitutes: Kent Goldings, Fuggle, Willamette.

  • GREEN BULLET

  • Alpha Acid: 11-15%
  • Originating in New Zealand around 1949, this hops was developed to solve a problem with Black Root Rot. Fuggle Hops was crossed with a local varieties to generate the first generation of stronger varieties. Tetraploid (TET) variations of these were then used to produce Green Bullet Hops. This hops is known as having a unique zing which characterizes New Zealand's mark on the brewing world. It is a dual purpose hops that brings both a fresh clean bitterness along with an abundance of aroma. The alpha acid rating is high at 11%-15% which is high, making this hops applicable for strong bitterness additions at the beginning of the boil or throughout the process. The taste and aroma has accents of raisins and fruits, and is smooth and refreshing. It has very high myrcene oil content which contributes to the fruit aroma.
  • Used For: Aroma.
  • Substitutes: none

  • HALLERTAU-Domestic

  • Alpha Acid: 5-6%
  • Finishing
  • Named for its origins in the Hallertauer region of Germany, this is a noble aroma hop with ever-so-subtle flower and spice fragrances defining its “über alles” superiority.
  • Used For: Good all around bittering and finishing. Stock ales, Altbiers, Belgian ales, and Continental style lagers. Pilsner, Bock, Lager, Wheat
  • Substitutes Mt. Hood, Liberty, Crystal.

  • HALLERTAU-German

  • Alpha Acid: 3.5-5%
  • Finishing
  • Traditionally a superior German aroma hop. Mild to semi-strong aroma , the most popular variety. Excellent flavor.
  • Used For: Versatile bittering and finishing. Wheats, Altbiers, Pilseners, Belgian ales, American and German lagers.
  • Substitutes Mt. Hood, Liberty, Crystal.

  • HALLERTAU HERSBRUCKER

  • Alpha Acid: 3-5%
  • Finishing
  • Drier, spicier than Hallertauer. Most important aroma variety in Germany.
  • Used For: Aroma and flavor. German ales and lagers.
  • Substitutes: Mt Hood

  • HALLERTAU MITTELFRUH

  • Alpha Acid: 3-5%
  • Aroma
  • Typical characteristics of a hallertau mild and pleasant aroma
  • Use For:Good all around bittering and finishing. Stock ales, Altbiers, Belgian ales, and Continental style lagers. Pilsner, Bock, Lager, Wheat
  • Substitutes: any Hallertau

  • HERALD

  • Alpha Acid: 11.9-12.8%
  • Bittering
  • This relatively new high-alpha acid dwarf hop was bred at Wye College in England and registered in 1996. It is a sister hop of Pioneer and Pilgrim hop. It is know for its clean, strong bitterness, and the citrus character with notes of orange and grapefruit.
  • Used For: Primarily bittering
  • Substitutes: none

  • HORIZON

  • Alpha Acid: 12-14%
  • Bittering
  • A cross between Brewers gold and German(probably Hallertau) aroma hops bred in Oregon.
  • Used For: American ales and lagers.
  • Substitutes: Magnum

  • HULLER

  • Alpha Acid: 4-6%
  • All Purpose
  • A universal hop for both bittering and aroma.
  • Used For: Bitters, German ales and lagers
  • Substitutes: none

  • KENT GOLDING - U.K.

  • Alpha Acid: 3-5%
  • Finishing
  • Refined Gentle, Fragrant and pleasant with flowery tones. Traditional old English hop. Referred to as East Kent Goldings if grown in East Kent, Kent Goldings if grown in Mid-Kent, and Goldings if grown elsewhere.
  • Used For: Classic English ales, kettle hopping, dry hopping, spicy flavor. All English-style beers (Ales, ESB, Bitter), Belgian-style Ales
  • Substitutes: Goldings (British Columbia), Fuggle, Willamette.

  • LIBERTY

  • Alpha Acid: 3-5%
  • Finishing
  • American cousin to Hallertau with very similar flower and spice characteristics, mild and pleasant, quite fine. Best used as a finishing hop in German-style lagers.
  • Used For: Finishing. American and German ales, Lager, Pilsner, Bock, Kölsch
  • Substitutes: German Hallertau, Mt. Hood, Crystal.

  • LUBLIN -Poland

  • Alpha Acid: 3-4.5%
  • Finishing
  • Mild and typical of noble aroma types. Another source of the classical noble-aroma type hop with long and strong traditions. Widely believed to be a clone of Saaz.
  • Used For: Finishing
  • Substitutes: Czech Saaz, Tettnang

  • MAGNUM

  • Alpha Acid: 12-17%
  • Bittering
  • A German thoroughbred with limited Pacific Northwest plantings. Prized for its high bittering value, the aromatic nature is one of spice and citrus, but is minimal compared to its big bittering.
  • Used For: Pale Ales, IPAs, German-style Lager
  • Substitutes: Galena

  • MILLENIUM

  • Alpha Acid: 14-16%
  • Bittering
  • Very similar to Nugget hops in aroma and flavor. Some descriptors included floral, resiny, and a bit spicy/herbal.
  • Use For: American Style Ales
  • Substitutes: Nugget, Columbus

  • MOTUEKA (NZ)

  • Alpha Acid: 6.5-7.5%
  • All Purpose
  • An excellent hop in many applications from first kettle additions through to late.
  • This hop offers a unique aroma and flavour making it suitable for producing bigger more traditional style Lagers, especially Bohemian Pilsener. Excellent when employed in multiple additions from a single hop bill and sits well on the palate to balance specialty malt sweetness. An excellent variety for Belgian Ales and gives a real edge to Cask Bitter.
  • Substitutes: none

  • MT. HOOD

  • Alpha Acid: 5-8%
  • Finishing
  • Hybrid of Hallertau with similar mild flower/spice aroma characteristics with a hint more of the forest. “Clean” commonly describes it, with similarities to the German Hallertau and Hersbrucker varieties
  • Used For: Aroma and flavor. American and German ales and lagers.
  • Substitutes: German Hallertau, Liberty, Crystal.

  • NELSON SAUVIN (NZ)

  • Alpha Acid: 12-13%
  • Bittering
  • Described to have a white wine fruitiness of ""crushed gooseberries"". A hop that requires judicious application in the brew house, this truly unique dual-purpose variety can be used to produce big punchy Ales as well as subtle yet bitter Lagers. The fruitiness may be a little overpowering for the un-initiated, however those with a penchant for bold hop character will find several applications for this true brewer's hop.
  • Used For: ales and lagers
  • Substitutes: none

  • NEWPORT

  • Alpha Acid: 10-17%
  • Bittering
  • Mild aroma. Fairly pungent, resiny flavor. An Oregon original derived from Brewers gold, Mittelfruh, Late Grape, Belgium 31, and Fuggle. Newport hops were bred as a potential replacement to Galena based on their resistance to mildew. Widely used by the Rogue Brewery.
  • Used For: virtually any style
  • Substitutes: Galena

  • NEW ZEALAND HALLERTAUER

  • Alpha Acid: 8-9%
  • Finishing - All purpose
  • Bred from the German Hallertau Mittelfrüh, this aroma hop is characterized by woodsy, citrusy notes and a clean taste that has staying power. Higher alpha makes it an acceptable bittering hop as well.
  • Used For: Organic Pilsner, Lager, German-style beers
  • Substitutes: Hallertau Mittelfrüh

  • NORTHDOWN

  • Alpha Acid: 7-10%
  • Dual Purpose
  • Mellow English higher alpha-acid hop. Similar to Northern Brewer, but with a better flavor and aroma than domestic NB; A clean bittering hop.
  • Used For: General purpose bittering, flavor and aroma for heavier ales. Porters.
  • Substitutes: Northern Brewer, Target

  • NORTHERN BREWER

  • Alpha Acid: 7-11%
  • All Purpose
  • A true dual-purpose hop containing moderate amounts of alpha acids combined with an acceptable aroma profile. Neutral, clean aroma, woody with evergreen and mint overtones and slightly higher-than-average bittering value.
  • Used For: Good for bittering with strong flavors and very fragrant. Steam beers, English-style Ales, ESB, Bitter, Porter, and German lagers.
  • Substitutes: Galena, Perle.

  • NUGGET

  • Alpha Acid: 11-16%
  • All Purpose
  • Strong heavy and herbal, spicy aroma and high bittering value (along with desirable growing traits) has brought this hop variety to the forefront of the industry. Selected from a cross between Brewer's Gold and a high alpha male.
  • Used For: Extremely bitter. All Ales, Stouts
  • Subs: Chinook, Galena, Cluster

  • OLYMPIC

  • Alpha Acid: 11-13%
  • Bittering
  • Moderate aroma. Similar to Chinook and Brewers Gold.
  • Used for: Mainly bittering. Stouts and Dark ales.
  • Substitutes: Brewers Gold, Chinook, Galena.

  • OMEGA

  • Alpha Acid: 9-11%
  • Bittering
  • A very new very bitter hop.
  • Used For: General bittering lagers, ales, stouts
  • Substitutes: any high alpha

  • ORION

  • Alpha Acid: 6-8%
  • Finishing - Flavor
  • Classic Noble style, Dual Use hop from Germany. Not much info available
  • Use For: German ales and lagers
  • Substitutes: any noble hop

  • PACIFICA (NZ)

  • Alpha Acid: 5-6%
  • Finishing
  • The Pacifica brings something of a blend of new and old-world taste descriptors to the brewers' forum. Orange marmalade aptly describes the citrus aroma notes achieved through late addition. Bittering quality is such that early kettle additions net a soft yet solid finish even in highly bittered beers.
  • Used For: Aroma Hop in multiple styles
  • Substitutes: none

  • PACIFIC GEM (NZ)

  • Alpha Acid: 15-17%
  • Bittering
  • A pleasing fruity aroma of blackberries with a woodsy flavor are the essence of this variety used mainly as a bittering agent in organic beers.
  • Used For: Organic Pale Ales, IPAs
  • Substitutes: none

  • PACIFIC JADE (NZ)

  • Alpha Acid: 12-14%
  • All Purpose
  • The aroma of this hop is described as “bold” as it delivers a herbal infusion of fresh citrus and crushed black pepper. The citrus aroma and flavour notes work well to temper malt sweetness in “fullish” Ales especially when used moderately as a finishing hop.
  • Used For: Dry Lagers
  • Substitutes: none

  • PALISADE

  • Alpha Acid: 6-9%
  • Finishing
  • Aroma described as floral, Subtle Apricot, Grassy or ”Pretty”. Non-aggressive, smooth hop flavor with a fruity, non-citrusy aroma more characteristic of english style Pale ales. Use For: Baetter for Aroma and flavor in english style ales despite the high alpha.
  • Substitutes: Glacier

  • PERLE

  • Alpha Acid: 7-9%
  • All Purpose
  • A palate-pleaser with its moderate,pleasant, minty clean bittering qualities and refreshing, spicy "green hop" aroma. Derived from English Notheren Brewer.
  • Used For: bittering and good aromas. A wide range from Pale Ale to Lager to Stout
  • Substitutes: Northern Brewer, Cluster, Galena

  • PHOENIX

  • Alpha Acid: 10-12%
  • Bittering
  • Attractive English aroma (sources say similar to challenger) with high alpha-acid. Use as an aroma hop were reportedly dissapointing.
  • Use For: English Ales including porters, stouts, ESBs, and bitters.
  • Substitutes: Challenger

  • PIONEER

  • Alpha Acid: 8-10%
  • dual Purpose
  • New dwarf variety with clean bitterness and mild English aroma. Unusual pleasant lemon/grapefruit citrus aroma distinctively hoppy.
  • Use For: English Ales, ESBs, and bitters.
  • Substitutes: Yeoman, Herald, Omega

  • PRIDE OF RINGWOOD (AU)

  • Alpha Acid: 7-10%
  • All Purpose
  • Quite pronounced aroma but not unpleasant, citrus-like. At the time of release in 1965 it was the highest alpha hop in the world. closely associated with such famous beers as Foster's Lager.
  • Used For: Predominantly bittering but with interesting aromatic qualities. British ales, Australian- style ales and lagers.
  • Substitutes: Centennial, Galena, Cluster

  • PROGRESS

  • Alpha Acid: 5-8%
  • dual Purpose
  • Similar to Fuggles but a little sweeter. aka UK Progress and Wye Progress. Bred from Whitbred Goldings Vareity but with an assertive fruity aroma. Robust, Fruity, Lime. M. Jackson called them “junipery”.
  • Used For: Widely used for real cask ales. English and Scottish ales
  • Substitutes: Goldings and Fuggles.

  • RIWAKA (NZ)

  • Alpha Acid: 4.5-6.5%
  • Finishing
  • powerful grapefruit “citrus” characters are literally breathtaking. A punchy addition to the new-world styles of Pale Ale and regional Pilseners. A cult hero that is established in the New Zealand craft beer culture.
  • Used For: Pale ales or any hop dominant ale
  • Substitutes: none

  • SAAZ

  • Alpha Acid: 3-5%
  • Finishing
  • The Old World steadfast standby made famous by Pilsner Urquell possesses the aromatic blend of earth and spice notable in European nobles. Low bittering value.
  • Used For: Finishing, very flavorful. Bohemian-style beers, Continental lagers, Wheats, Pilsener lagers.
  • Substitutes: Czech Saaz, U.S. Saaz, Tettnang (Only if the other two options are not available). (Note: some claim there is no substitute)

  • SANTIAM

  • Alpha Acid: 5.5-8%
  • Finishing
  • Resembles a Noble hop aroma. Herbal. Floral. This is a mixture of Tettnanger, Mittelfruh, Cascades,and who knows what else. Aroma is a suggestion of Tettnanger. Another product of Corvallis Oregon (Go Beavers!).
  • Used For: American Lagers, German Lagers and Ales, and Wheat beers.
  • Substitute: Citra

  • SAPHIR

  • Alpha Acid: 3-4.5%
  • Finishing
  • Refined, sweet, mild clean citrus, hint of tangerine. It was bred with a Hallertau parent and probably a long list of other hops to make it more commercially viable.
  • Used For: Plisners, German lagers, Belgian whites
  • Substitutes: Hallertau, Mittelfruh

  • SIMCOE

  • Alpha Acid: 12-14%
  • Bittering - Flavor
  • Aromas of passionfruit, apricot, Intense pine and woodsy aroma adds to the fresh, youthful vigor of this complex hop. Dual purpose but generally considered a bittering hop.
  • Used For: American Ales, IPAs, Double IPAs
  • Subs: A blend of Amarillo, Cascade, and Centennial have been known to come close

  • SLADEK - Czech

  • Alpha Acid: 9-10%
  • Finishing
  • Hybrid aroma variety of Saaz type with excellent impact on hoppy taste and aroma of beer. New dual purpose Czech hop.
  • Used For: Lagers
  • Substitutes: Saaz

  • SORACHI ACE

  • Alpha Acid: 13-16%
  • Bittering
  • A Japanese winner by all counts with its powerful lemon aroma, high bittering value and flavorful personality.
  • Used For: American Ales, lagers, Pale Ales, Wheat
  • Substitutes: none

  • SOUTHERN CROSS NZ

  • Alpha Acid: 12%
  • Bittering
  • The aroma is characterised by a heady mix of lemon peel and pine needles layered beneath the clean spiciness. Primarily a bittering hop but reported to have a nice mellow aroma as a late addition hop.
  • Used For: Australian Lagers
  • Substitutes: none

  • SPALTER

  • Alpha Acid: 3-6%
  • Finishing
  • Traditional German noble hop. A Saaz alternative, Aromatic and flavorful.
  • Used For: Great in German lagers
  • Substitutes: Saaz, Tettnang, Ultra

  • STERLING

  • Alpha Acid: 6-9%
  • Aroma - Bittering
  • Herbs and spices dominate, flowers and citrus around the fringes. Moderate bittering values with a mix of Saaz and Mt. Hood properties.
  • Used For: Ale, Pilsner, Lager
  • Subs: Saaz, Mt Hood

  • STICKLEBRACT

  • Alpha Acid: 9-11%
  • Bittering
  • Noted for its piney, citrusy aroma. May give a unique New Zealand twist to English beer styles. Coarse, high-alpha acid variety.
  • Used For: primarily ales
  • Substitutes: none

  • STYRIAN GOLDINGS

  • Alpha Acid: 4-6%
  • Finishing
  • Delicate, slightly spicy, soft and floral. A world renowned aroma hop with widespread usage in both ale and lager brewing. An ecotype of Fuggle grown in Slovenia.
  • Used For: Bittering, finishing, dry hopping. english style ales, Vienna/Oktoberfest lagers, Belgian ales, Pilseners.
  • Substitutes: Fuggle, Willamette.

  • SUMMIT (Dwarf)

  • Alpha Acid: 17.5–19.5%
  • Bittering
  • Introduced in 2003, this hops is known as having a "peak" bittering value coupled with robust citrus notes of orange, tangerine and grapefruit. Ideal for Pale Ales.
  • Used For: Pale Ale, IPA Drifter Pale Ale, Widmer Brothers
  • Substitutes: Simcoe

  • SUPER ALPHA (NZ)

  • Alpha Acid: 10-12%
  • All Purpose
  • Slight fresh grassiness beneath a mix of aromas such as pine needles and lemongrass. A very versatile hop in the brew house where it can be used to deliver a very crisp bitter edge on the back pallet as well as excellent aroma qualities. Like most New Zealand varieties the exceptional oil profile sets it apart as a hop with many applications.
  • Used For: A variety of purposes including flavor and aroma
  • Substitutes: none

  • SUPER GALENA

  • Alpha Acid: 13-16%
  • Bittering
  • Super Galena is a super high alpha variety developed by the Hopsteiner breeding program and released in 2006. It has relatively high contents of both alpha and beta acids, making it a good bittering hop with pleasant aroma. Super Galena is comparable to Galena in its aroma and bitterness profile, but offers a substantially higher yield and complete resistance to all current hop powdery mildew strains found in the U.S.
  • Used For: Very bitter, but blends well with finishing hops. American ales, stouts and lagers. Suitable for all beer styles.
  • Substitutes: Galena, Nugget, Cluster, Chinook.

  • TARGET

  • Alpha Acid: 10-12%
  • All Purpose
  • Widely used for high alpha acid content comined with an acceptable aroma. Pleasant English hop aroma, quite intense.
  • Used For: Robust bittering. British ales and lagers.
  • Substitutes: East Kent Goldings and Northdown are close.

  • TAURUS

  • Alpha Acid: 12-15%
  • Bittering
  • Ultra high-alpha acid variety of Hallertau, giving medium bitterness. It has a distinctive hoppy tang with a delicate aroma.
  • Use For: Bittering to various styles
  • Substitutes: Magnum, Citra, Tradition

  • TETTNANG

  • Alpha Acid: 4-5%
  • Finishing
  • Fine, very spicy, mild, floral, very aromatic. Recently established in the U.S., traditional German variety, true noble aroma variety.
  • Used For: Finishing. Wheats and lagers.
  • Substitutes: Saaz, Spalter, Ultra

  • TOMAHAWK

  • Alpha Acid: 14-17%
  • Bittering
  • Earthy, spicy, pungent, with some citrus overtones. Not overwhelmingly citrus like Cascade. High on the bittering scale yet also valued for its oil content creates a hop that is an interesting dichotomy of sharp and herbal.
  • Used For: Bittering American style ales, stouts
  • Substitutes: AKA Columbus, Zeus

  • TRADITION

  • Alpha Acid: 10-13%
  • Bittering
  • High-alpha acid Hallertau variety with German characteristics grown to replace Hersbrucker.
  • Use For: Lagers, Pilsner, Bock, Wheat, Weizen
  • Substitutes: Magnum, Hersbrucker, Taurus

  • ULTRA

  • Alpha Acid: 3%
  • Finishing
  • Newer domestic aroma variety with Saaz characteristics. Very fine, mild, spicy with floral notes. Bred as a substitute for Hallertauer Mittelfrüh. Used For: finishing hop for Pilsner and German style lagers.

  • Substitutes: Hallertau, Any Noble hop, Crystal, Liberty, Mt. Hood
  • VANGUARD

  • Alpha Acid: 4-6%
  • Finishing
  • Slightly flowery, mild. Similar to Hallertau Mittlefruh and saaz in aroma. A gentle hop for subtle bitterness, aroma, and flavor.
  • Use For: Use in not-so-overly-malty beers. Light lagers, Pilsners, Kolsch, Wheat, and Munich Helles.
  • Substitutes: none

  • WARRIOR

  • Alpha Acid: 14.5- 17.0%
  • Bittering
  • Grapefruity and lemony, some piney notes. Also saw pineapple as a descriptor. Its high bittering value and very mild aroma offers new dimensions to IPA & Double IPA brewers.
  • Used For: bittering big beers like Dogfish Head IPA.
  • Substitutes: Most high alpha hops

  • WILLAMETTE

  • Alpha Acid: 4-6%
  • Finishing
  • The king of aroma hops in the U.S. with its modest bittering value and the joyous harmony of flowers, fruit, earth and spice. A quality aroma hop with a smooth soft flavor.
  • Used For: Finishing, dry hopping. American and British ales and lagers.
  • Substitutes: Fuggle, Styrian Goldings, Kent Goldings.

  • YEOMAN

  • Alpha Acid: 9-14%
  • Bittering
  • A popular bittering hop in the U.K.Similar to Targets. Typically, not available in the U.S.
  • Used For: British ales and lagers
  • Substitutes: Target

  • ZENITH

  • Alpha Acid: 9-10%
  • Known for it's good aroma. Used For: British ales and lagers.A.A
  • Substitutes: none

  • ZEUS

  • Alpha Acid: 14-17%
  • Bittering
  • Earthy, spicy, pungent, with some citrus overtones. Not overwhelmingly citrus like Cascade. High on the bittering scale yet also valued for its oil content.
  • Used For: Bittering American style ales, stouts
  • Substitutes: AKA Columbus, Tomahawk

  • Midwest would like to acknowledge the work of others that was consulted while compiling this list:

  • beerlegends.com
  • thehopry.com
  • brewery.org