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