Episode 353 | Hop Crop Year: 2018 vs. 2020 Triumph Hops
Oct 22, 2024
auto_awesome
Join Steve Thanos, a contributor well-versed in hop-related experiments, as he discusses the fascinating world of Triumph hops from the 2018 and 2020 harvests. Explore how agricultural conditions influence hop quality and the importance of proper storage techniques for brewers. Uncover the historical significance of hops and their unique flavor profiles, along with insights from a detailed experiment that reveals the surprising consistency of beers made with different crop years. Cheers to fresh perspectives on brewing!
The podcast emphasizes the significance of crop year variability, which impacts flavors and aromas in hops like Triumph from 2018 and 2020.
Imperial Yeast's expansion enhances access to high-quality yeast strains, significantly improving brewing outcomes for both home and commercial brewers.
Proper storage techniques for hops, including cool temperatures and airtight packaging, play a vital role in preserving flavor and aroma over time.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Imperial Yeast
Imperial Yeast offers an impressive selection of yeast strains for brewers, featuring an abundance of viable cells in each Pitch-Right pouch, eliminating the need for starters for many. Their expansion from Portland to the East Coast increases accessibility for home and commercial brewers alike, allowing more people to experiment with popular strains like A07 Flagship and A38 Juice. Easy access to high-quality yeast can drastically improve brewing outcomes, emphasizing the advantages of using fresh, potent yeast strains. By streamlining the fermentation process, Imperial Yeast helps brewers produce the best beer possible.
Understanding Hop Variability
The podcast delves into how hop crops can vary significantly each year due to factors like growing conditions and agricultural practices. This variability often excites brewers, especially when they discover that their favorite hop varieties are available for purchase. The discussion points out that purchasing hops from previous crop years can sometimes lead to great deals, but it’s crucial for brewers to be aware of how the aging process affects hop quality. Variations in aroma and flavor can occur based on how long the hops have been stored, making freshness a vital consideration.
The Importance of Hop Freshness
Freshness is key when it comes to using hops, as old hops can have diminished alpha acids and volatile oils, which are important for flavor and aroma. Using hops that have been properly stored, particularly in a freezer, can significantly reduce degradation over time, preserving their desirable characteristics. Over time, hops may also develop harsh or unpleasant flavors, which can negatively impact the overall quality of the beer. Proper storage strategies, including keeping hops in airtight packaging and minimizing temperature fluctuations, can extend their usability for several years.
The Triumph Hop Variety
Triumph hops, released by the USDA hop breeding program in 2019, present a versatile option for brewers, offering both bitterness and interesting citrusy flavors. They display characteristics reminiscent of orange, lime, and stone fruits, making them suitable for a variety of hoppy beer styles. The genetic background combines notable varieties like Nugget and East Kent Goldings, which contribute to their unique flavor profile. Brewed correctly, Triumph hops can enhance both the bitterness and aromatic complexity of beers, appealing to a broad range of brewing preferences.
Storage Conditions and Brewing Results
The podcast discusses an experiment comparing older and newer crop year Triumph hops, analyzing the influence of storage conditions on flavor and aroma. Both hop batches were stored under similar conditions and utilized in identical brewing processes, allowing for a fair comparison. Despite expectations of noticeable differences, the results indicated no significant variations between the two, showcasing the impact of proper storage on maintaining hop quality. This emphasizes the idea that older hops can still be viable if stored correctly, offering brewers the confidence to utilize them in future batches.
Contributor Steve Thanos joins Marshall to chat about hop crop year, going over an xBmt comparing Triumph hops from the 2018 and 2020 harvests.
The Brülosophy Podcast is brought to you by Imperial Yeast who provide brewers with the most viable and fresh yeast on the market. Learn more about what Imperial Yeast has to offer at ImperialYeast.com today.
