The Largest List of Brewing Hops
Brewing Hops For Beer
MoreBeer! has compiled one of the largest known lists of brewing hops online, with over 170 varietal hop descriptions.
Check out our selection of pellet and whole cone hops, hop concetrates, and hop rhizomes!
Admiral Hops
This bitter British hop was bred from the combination of Northdown and Challenger hops, and commercially released in 1998. With an intense flavor and citrusy, orange nose, Admiral hops provide the perfect bittering agent in all types of India Pale Ales, Pale Ales, and Bitters. A high alpha acid composition of about 13% to 16.2% makes this easily harvested hop useful and readily available. Admiral hops compliment Target hops and are sometimes used in their place for a slightly less intense bitterness. The low oil composition of myrcene and caryophyllene lend a touch of woody, herbal character to this hop, making a bold combination with the apparent citrus scent. Test the taste of this high-yielding hop yourself in commercial brews like Stone Imperial IPA and Three Floyds Blackheart English IPA.
Agnus Hops
This Czech hop is the result of breeding a variety of hops including Northern Brewer, Saaz, and Fuggles, and was commercially released in 2001. Typically used for German style Lagers and Ales, this bittering hop also works well in a Pilsner. With an alpha acid range of anywhere from 9% to 15%, and spicy, citrus characteristics, Angus hops create a clean bitterness along interesting flavors. A slightly grassy aroma with a hint of lychee and thyme complete the full body of this hybrid hop. While hops like Saaz, Sladek and Northern Brewer can be combined in its place, this wide array of flavors and scents makes the Angus hop a great choice for single hop brews.
Ahtanum Hops
Used for both bittering and aroma, this versatile hop was developed in the American Pacific Northwest. Since Ahtanum can be used both for moderate bittering and a citrusy, floral aroma, it works well in an array of beer styles. It is most commonly used in Pale Ales for that perfect blend of fresh taste and mild bitterness. With an alpha acid composition of just 5.7% to 6.3%, Ahtanum hops can also be utilized in Lagers, IPAs, and APAs. Although this hop is easily harvested and generally available, you could also substitute Amarillo or Cascade hops in its place. Touches of earthy and piney notes make Ahtanum pellet hops a versatile brewing choice, as well. See the wide range of uses in commercial brews like Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale and Dogfish Head’s Blood Orange Hefeweizen.
AlphAroma Hops
A uniquely bred New Zealand hop, this varietal originated in the 1970s, but was not commercially released until about 1983. The unique oil balance and medium alpha acid content of about 5.8% to 10.9% make AlphAroma a dual purpose hop. Put these characteristics to good use by adding this hop to Pale Ales and Lagers to add a firm bitterness as well as a citrusy, fruity aroma. AlphAroma hops are not always the easiest to find, so brewing with them in addition to other multi-purpose hops is typically the way to go.
Amarillo Hops
This American hop varietal is both good for bittering and has amazing aromatics, making it a versatile, dual purpose brewing ingredient. Commonly added to all types of IPAs from American to Belgian and Imperial IPA’s, Amarillo hops are also a great addition to American Pale Ales. An alpha acid range from 8% to 11% presents a moderate bittering quality while lush floral and orangey citrus aromas add fresh flavor to any type of beer. These well balanced characteristics and make Amarillo a popular hop. Using Amarillo is easy in both whole hop and pellet form. Similar varietals like Cascade and Centennial can be substituted or added to your brew. See how Amarillo adds flavor and balance in commercial brews like Rogue’s Brutal Bitter and Green Flash’s Hop Head Red.
Amethyst Hops
A Czech Republic origin makes the Amethyst hop a less commonly used ingredient in many popular beer styles. However, it does add a special something to Pale Ales, Lagers, and even Stouts. This comes from the rich, woodsy aroma and low bitterness that compliments full body brews. An alpha acid composition ranging from about 2% to 6% makes this hop most useful for adding aroma to your beer. Described as woodsy, earthy, spicy, and even citrus, these characteristics lend both rich aroma and flavor to any brew. If you’re in need of a substitute, try Saaz hops.
Apollo Hops
This American hop was bred for a high acid content and was originally cultivated in 2000. The high alpha acid range of about 15% to 19% makes Apollo hops a perfect bittering agent in any style of IPA, especially Imperial IPA. It also gives off both earthy and citrusy aromas during the boil that add a wonderful touch of flavor to your bitter brew. Other bittering hops such as Columbus, Nugget, or Zeus can be used in place of Apollo, but add a different flavor profile. Because of their strength the use of Apollo pellet hops allows you to add less bittering hops overall. That can be an advantage for certain brewing systems where you want to reduce vegetal matter in the boil. Taste the difference in commercial brews like Otter Creek’s Imperial India Pale Ale.
Aramis Hops
The hop Aramis hop is the result of a 2002 cross-breed of the French Strisselspault hop and English Whitbread Golding Variety hop. This fragrant hybrid has a minimal bitterness and heavy aroma, making it suitable for all stages of hopping. Aramis hops’ versatility also lends itself well to multiple styles of beer including Pilsners, Lagers, Belgian style Saisons, and even Wheats. Expect both sweet and spicy notes with a hint of bright citrus. We’ve also read descriptions of this hop as earthy, hay, herbal. When we smelled it at the last Craft Brewers Conference we agree with the earthy, tea like aroma. Alpha acid range is mild at 6% to 8.3%. If you are looking for Aramis you probably dont need a substitute but you could look at Strisselspault.
Atlas Hops
A unique blend of Brewer’s Gold and Slovenian wild hops make the Atlas or Styrian Atlas hop a versatile brewing ingredient. Though it carries a decent acid composition, this hop is typically used to add a rich aromatics to brews like Pale Ales and Belgian Ales. With an alpha acid range of about 7% up to 11%, this Slovenian hop brightens-up Ales and balances a piney, floral aroma. It is also not uncommon to get a hint of limey citrus nose on this European hybrid hop. Possible substitutions for Atlas hops include Aurora or Styrian Golding.
Aurora Hops
The bold aroma from this Slovenian hop is the result of a cross between Northern Brewer hops and TG hops of unknown origin. What you can expect is a wonderfully fragrant nose of tropical fruits and lime, floral, and fresh pine. This atypical aroma is best showcased in all styles of Ale from American to English and Belgian. The alpha acid range in the Aurora hop is usually from 6% to 9%, keeping the flavor bright without overshadowing the aromatic characteristics. Aurora’s parent hop, Northern Brewer can often be used in place of this fragrant hop in a pinch.
Beata Hops
This British hop was specifically bred at Horticulture Research International back in 1995 for a high level of beta acid, and was not widely released until 2006. Paired with a rich aroma of honey, apricot and a touch of almond, the Beata hop promises an air of complexity in any brew. While this varietal is still new, it is a great experimentation hop in unexpected styles like Golden Ales and Blondes, though is most commonly used in English Bitter. It’s the noteworthy beta acid levels of 9% to 11% that add to the alpha acids of only about 3% to 6% and make this hop a bittering super star. For comparable bittering quality and a somewhat similar nose, try Belma or Boadicea hops in place of Beata.
Belma Hops
These dual purpose American hops were developed by Puterbagh Farms in Washington State to offer just the right hoppy notes to compliment Pale Malt Ales. Featuring a wonderfully tropical aroma of pineapple, strawberry, and citrus, other notes include melon and light floral. Though this hop is new to the scene, it has been well received thus far and is said to craft a tasty brew when paired with hops like Calypso, Zythos, and Citra. An alpha acid content of around 10% along with the bright, fruity flavors makes for an incredibly versatile hop.
Bitter Gold Hops
This incredibly acidic varietal comes from the American lineage of hops like Brewer’s Gold, Comet, and Fuggle. With no notable aromatic qualities and a high alpha acid range of 16% to 19%, Bitter Gold is utilized only for bittering. Add it to any brew from your favorite IPA to English Ales and of course English Bitter. While Galena or Nugget hops can be substituted for Bitter Gold, they do not yield the same intensely bittering quality ounce per ounce.
Boadicea Hops
Released in 2004 by the Horticulture Research International, this aphid-resistant hop is among the most environmentally friendly out there. Plus with a light bodied, rounded bittering characteristic and mildly spicy aroma, British Boadicea hops make a useful ingredient in a wide range of beer styles. Try this dual purpose hop for a bitter taste and light, grassy nose in your favorite IPA or APA recipe. Boadicea has an alpha acid composition anywhere from 6% to 10%. This varietal is perfect for finishing or dry hopping. It is also possible to substitute Boadicea with Green Bullet, Cascade, or Chinook hops.
Bobek Hops
Bobek, or Styrian Bobek hops are of Slovenian origin and a descendant of Northern Brewer hops. This varietal is commonly used to enhance the aroma of many beer styles including both English and Belgian style Ales, Lagers, and Pilsners. With a mild alpha acid range of 3% to 7%, it’s really the delicately spicy, floral and piney notes that shine through. You could swap Styrian Bobek hops for its cousin hop, Styrian Golding, as well as Fuggle or Willamette. However, once you get the unique aroma from whole or pellet Bobek hops, there’s no turning back. See for yourself by tasting these hops in Element Brewing Co.’s Red Giant.
Bouclier Hops
This aromatic hop is a cross between Strisselspalt and wild Kent hops, giving it a decidedly English profile, though it was first developed in Alsace, France. Although you could use Bouclier hops for bittering in brews like a Saison or Pilsner, they are most commonly used to add aroma in English or Belgian style ales. The spicy, floral, and citrus scents create a uniquely herbaceous aroma that can really be used in any beer style. An alpha acid range of about 6.8% to 9% allows this hop to bring both a mild bitterness to your brew. If you can’t get your hands on Bouclier hops, possible substitutes include Tradition, Tettnagner, or even Spalter Select. Give Bouclier hops a taste in brews like Velo City’s Off the Wall Golden Ale.
Bramling Cross Hops
The British Bramling Cross hop is the product of a 1927 cross between traditional Bramling of a Golding variety and wild Canadian hops. What you get is an intensely fruity hop full of character that provides dual uses in brewing just about any style of beer. A rich aroma of blackberry, currant, and plum makes the Bramling Cross hop a perfect ingredient in traditional cask conditioned brews, but don’t discount the unique flavor it brings to everything from Golden Ales to IPAs and even Stouts. With an alpha acid range of about 5% to 8%, this hop provides just the right balance of bitterness. Other hops from the Golding family like Whitbread Golding and East Kent Golding do offer some similar characteristics, and can be used in place of Bramling Cross in a pinch. Taste this hop’s unique flavor in Brew Dogs’ Bramling X IPA.
Bravo Hops
The wonderfully bittering Bravo hop was first developed by The Hopsteiner Breeding Company and released commercially in 2006. Gaining popularity from craft breweries across the American West Coast, this young hop is now being more widely used in styles like APAs and IPAs. With a high alpha acid range anywhere from 14% to 17%, Bravo hops are certainly best utilized in Pale Ales, but can be used in any style where smooth bitterness is desired. Spicy, earthy, and floral notes contrast the heavy bitterness for a smooth finish you’re sure to enjoy. Substitute Bravo hops with Apollo, Columbus, or parent hop Zeus when necessary. You can really get a taste for this hop in brews like Dangerous Man Brewing Co.’s Single Hop Bravo IPA.
Brewers Gold Hops
As the result of an open pollination with Wild Manitoba hops back in 1919, Brewers Gold hops are said to be dual purpose, but really work best as a bittering hop. A mild aroma of blackberry, currant, and a little spice can add a unique touch to darker brews like Imperial Stouts. An alpha acid range of about 6% to 10% makes the Brewers Gold hop a versatile bittering hop for your favorite brew. Though this hop grows quickly, it is easily susceptible to harsh conditions that affect the alpha acidic content, so this range can vary from season to season. If you do need to substitute Brewer’s Gold, try varietals like Galena, Bramling Cross, or Cascade.
British Kent Goldings Hops
Though these hops are known under several names including BKG, Kent Goldings, and East Kent Goldings, they serve one purpose- to add a distinct aroma to your brew. British Kent Goldings originated in the Kent region of England way back in the 1790s. Used mostly in English style Ales and Pale Ales, British Kent Goldings add their soft floral scent of lavender and honey with overtones of fresh lemon and thyme for a little spice. With an alpha acid range of about 4% to 6%, the aroma is the strong point of this distinguished hop. If you think hops have gone over the top or you need a break from the C hops give Kent Goldings a chance. This hop is famous for blending with the malt in a harmonious, synergistic way. These hops are also among the easiest to substitute by using other varieties of the Golding family like US Golding, or try British Progress hops. You can taste and smell the effect of British Kent Goldings in commercial brews like the classic Samuel Adams Ale from Samuel Adams Brewery, or Saison de la Bond from Deschutes.
Bullion Hops
Bullion Hops are a sibling to popular Brewer’s Gold Hops that originated in the U.S. around 1919. Though these hops gained popularity through the 1970s, they have become harder to find in recent years due to new super alpha hops taking their place. The traditionally high alpha acid range of around 8% up to 13% gives this bittering hop its super alpha association. Bullion hops also have an air of spicy, zesty aroma and flavor with a touch of blackberry and currant. These characteristics make the Bullion hop a perfect addition to darker brews like Stouts, Porters, and Dark Lagers. If you can’t find Bullion hops, they are easily substituted with varietals like Columbus or Brewer’s Gold. Taste this original super alpha hop in brews like Brown’s Brewing Company ESB.
Calicross Hops
The Calicross hop is the result of a cross between Fuggles and California Cluster hops that was first produced in New Zealand around 1960. It took about 20 years for this hop to be replaced on the market by stronger, more vivacious varietals. It had an alpha acid range of about 5.8% to 7.9% and a soft, floral aroma. The Calicross hop added mid-level bittering and flavor to just about any type of ale, especially Amber and Brown Ales. Since this hop is no longer widely available on the market, you could substitute Calicross with parents California Cluster and Fuggles.
California Cluster Hops
Though their origin is still vague, California Cluster hops have been used since 1950, but suffered a devastating bout of Black Root Rot in New Zealand that left them virtually extinct. This event in the mid-1950s prompted the development of similar varietals using cross pollination with remaining California Cluster Hops. Today other varietals are more readily available, but you can still find some of the original California Cluster hops popping up at small organic farms throughout the U.S. With an alpha acid range of about 5.5% to 8.5%, you can try these hops in all types of ales, from Honey Ale to English Pale Ale or even a Barley Wine. If you have trouble finding California Cluster available for your brew recipe, try substituting with Galena, Eroica, or Cluster hops.
Calypso Hops
This American Pacific Northwest grown hop is a newer variety that is widely used for both bittering and aromatic characteristics. Its alpha acid content of about 12% to 14% makes Calypso an excellent bittering hop. Calypso hops have all kinds of flavor descriptions including the most common of apple, pear, and citrus. We also seen melon and tropical fruits which would make sense based on its name. We also read about people getting pepper, cherry blossom, and mint. That is a wide range of flavor! We see it used a lot in IPA’s and Pale Ales but of course you could use it in darker beers as well even Stouts. Since Calypso whole hops and pellets are readily available, it is unlikely that you would need to find a substitute. Very unique dual purpose hop. However, it is possible to use another fruity hop like Cascade or Belma in a pinch. Taste the delightful blend of fruity and bitter in commercial brews like New Belgium’s Rampant Imperial IPA.
Cascade Hops
The popular Cascade hop was first developed by the U.S.D.A. around 1972 in Oregon and has given life to the same varietal from other regions such as New Zealand and Argentina. All Cascade hops have the same essential traits but are influenced by the region they are grown in. Dual purpose applications and wide accessibility makes Cascade hops the most commonly used varietal in home and commercial craft brews. With an alpha acid range of 4.5% to 7% and a fruity, citrus aroma with spicy notes, Cascade brightens-up IPAs, APAs, and other American Ales. It is easy to get your hands on both whole and pellet form Cascade hops that also work great for dry hopping, though you could substitute with Centennial or Amarillo hops. You can taste Cascade hops in many commercial brews like Racer 5 IPA by Bear Republic or Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
Cashmere Hops