Hop Variety Index
This is the quick-reference catalog of the major hop varieties used in IPA brewing. Each row links to a full profile; use the descriptors and alpha acid figures to scan for a fit, then read the dedicated note for detail.
#Modern American Hops
| Variety | Alpha % | Origin | Released | Signature character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citra | ~11–15% | USA | 2008 | Grapefruit, lime, passionfruit, lychee |
| Mosaic | ~11–14% | USA | 2012 | Blueberry, mango, pine, dank |
| Cascade | ~4.5–7% | USA | 1972 | Grapefruit, floral; the craft pioneer |
| Centennial | ~8–11.5% | USA | 1990 | Citrus, floral, "super Cascade" |
| Simcoe | ~12–14% | USA | 2000 | Pine, dank, grapefruit, passionfruit |
| Amarillo | ~8–11% | USA | ~2000 | Orange, floral, melon |
| Sabro | ~12–16% | USA | 2018 | Coconut, tangerine, cedar |
| Strata | ~11–13% | USA | 2018 | Passionfruit, strawberry, dank |
#Southern Hemisphere Hops
| Variety | Alpha % | Origin | Released | Signature character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy | ~11–16% | Australia | 2009 | Passionfruit, peach (huge oil content) |
| Nelson Sauvin | ~11–13% | New Zealand | 2000 | White wine, gooseberry, grape |
#Traditional European Hops
Covered together in Noble and English Hops:
| Variety | Alpha % | Origin | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saaz | ~3–4.5% | Czech Republic | Delicate, spicy, herbal |
| Hallertau Mittelfrüh | ~3–5.5% | Germany | Floral, herbal noble |
| East Kent Goldings | ~4–6% | England | Honey, marmalade, floral |
| Fuggle | ~3.5–5.5% | England | Earthy, woody, mild |
#How to Use This Index
Alpha acid % indicates bittering potential, not aroma quality. Low-alpha noble hops are aroma treasures; high-alpha figures simply mean efficient kettle bittering. For aroma, read the oil-driven descriptors instead.
Group decisions by role and style. A classic West Coast IPA leans on Simcoe, Centennial, and Amarillo; a New England IPA leans on Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy; an English IPA leans on the traditional European set. Most great recipes blend across categories.
Many of the best modern hops (Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe, Galaxy, Nelson Sauvin) are proprietary and contracted. Inclusion here does not mean a brewer can simply buy them; see Hop Contracts and the Hop Supply Chain.
#Continue Reading
- Hops: the plant behind the catalog
- Hop Chemistry: what the numbers mean
- Noble and English Hops: the traditional varieties
- Bittering, Flavor, and Aroma Hops: applying hops by role