Page 19 - Thirst Magazine Issue 2 June 2017

RIGHT NOW THERE ARE A SIGNIFICANT “You can manage that without knowing

NUMBER OF DRINKERS VOTING FOR anything about the raw material involved.
But if you know you like beers enhanced
AROMA AND FLAVOUR. HOPS ARE A BIG by Nelson Sauvin, then understanding that
Hallertau Blanc contains the same sulfur
PART OF SATISFYING THAT DEMAND. compound might make you think ‘yep’ when
you come across a beer made with Blanc.
“Familiar is good; understanding why it is
on producing beers with a more intense familiar is better.”
experience.”
Growers are achieving this with breeding
programs focussed on creating hops with HOPS ON LABELS
greater levels and unique combinations of Many craft breweries are now divulging the
essential oils, but it’s a process that often hop varieties used on their beer labels in
takes more than a decade to bring about an effort to better introduce drinkers to the
commercially viable varieties brewers can use. unique flavours and aromas that modern hops
Despite the inherent difficulty, the like Galaxy, Citra and Mosaic impart.
emergence of craft beer has heralded an Stan believes that while more information
expansion of hop breeding far beyond the for the drinker is generally better, with
borders of Europe and America. Countries supply uncertainty being a major global issue
like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and for brewers, he warns breweries about the
Japan are also creating unique and massively dangers of marketing that may back them into
in-demand hops aimed at meeting the a corner.
industry’s insatiable thirst for variety. “For a brewer, the potential downside (of
identifying a hop) is not being able to get a
SPOILED FOR CHOICE variety that has then become part of a brand.
Plus there will be year-to-year variation with
Whole dry hops
Retailers have had to shift their strategy any variety.”
too with stores stocking many more brands Flavour and aroma aside, evolutions in
than they once did to make the same number craft beer and hop farming haven’t only been
of sales. While spoiled for choice, beer limited to increasing alpha and oil content.
consumers can often be left confused about Farmers and brewers today are also becoming
what to buy amid a sea of different styles and much more focussed on environmental
brands. factors.
For drinkers that aren’t necessarily hop “Investment in the future is promising.
savvy, it’s important to just drink what you It’s not just about aroma and flavour, but also
Hop pellets like, says Stan. about sustainability.”

THE HOPS LIST
The world’s most comprehensive beer hop dictionary.

Use it to discover new hop flavours and aromas from around the world. The first of its
kind, this book is the largest collection of hops information ever compiled. With it readers
have access to analytical data, tasting notes, substitutes, style suggestions and more.
In addition, there are also insights from brewmasters at some of the world’s most
prestigious craft breweries. Deschutes, D.G. Yuengling & Son and Brooklyn Brewery
among others reveal some of their favourite varieties as well as tips on how to use them
best.
The Hops List is an all-encompassing resource for professional brewers, amateur
brewers and craft beer connoisseurs wanting an exhaustive resource on just about every
Julian Healey is a freelance beer hop on the planet.
marketing consultant to
the beer industry and Available as a hard copy from reputable home brew stores in the USA, Europe,
author of The Hops List, New Zealand and Australia and as an eBook from Amazon, iTunes or direct.
a comprehensive guide to
265 varieties of beer hops. www.hopslist.com

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