Hops, key in the elaboration of craft beer

Few are those who, having a craft beer in their hands, wonder what should be its chemical content, what ingredients are used to make the beverage. Because, of course, the taste of craft beer is very different from industrial beers. And in this sense, the master brewers know that hops are key for that flavor that pursue wit his craft beers.

Hops: Flavor, Aroma and Bitterness

The scientific name for hops is Humulus lupulus and is part of the Cannabis family. What's really interesting and helpful for brewers are the flowers of the hop plant. Hops are the ingredients that give craft beers their bitter taste, which contrasts with the sweetness of maltose. Furthermore, the special flavor of craft beer would not be possible without the use of this particular plant. And, the third value of craft hops is aroma. A feature that consumers are paying more and more attention to. No beer tasting experience is complete without perceiving the aroma that each craft beer exudes.

Curiosities of the hops

• Hops is a plant that has generated much interest throughout history. These are some of their most surprising curiosities.

• Even entered the 9th century, hops were not grown in central Europe, so it had to be collected in the wild.

• Years ago, hops had been used as a medicinal plant to soothe ailments related to headache, insomnia… And, indeed, hops in a big part of the popular soothing effects of artisan beer.

• Around the world there are at least 6 museums that revolve around this valuable plant.

• Thanks to the invention of the gas chromatograph, it was discovered that hops has more than 400 components.

• In countries of Central Europe, such as Germany, so the importance of hops that is often given a role protagonist at local parties. For example, in Hallertau (Bavaria), during the month of August will choose “the Queen of the hop”.

Summing up, hops is key to the development of craft beers. In fact, the master brewers can afford licenses to experiment with hops from different countries and, then, develop different craft beers.