CRYSTAL, Pellets T90
Crystal hops bring a unique touch of elegance to beer brewing with their refined and subtle flavour characteristics. Highly prized for their versatility and smooth aromatic qualities, they are a favourite among craft brewers aiming for a sophisticated flavour profile.
- Flavour Profile: Crystal hops present a delicate mix of woody, floral, and mild citrus notes, with hints of spice and earthiness.
- Beer Styles: Crystal is an excellent choice for brewing styles such as lagers, pale ales, pilsners, wheat beers, and even some IPAs.
- Alpha Acids: With moderate alpha acid levels, typically ranging between 2.5% and 6%, Crystal provides a balanced bitterness without overpowering.
- How to Use Crystal: Crystal can be used effectively as an aroma hop or for dry hopping. Its delicate flavours and aromas are best showcased when added later in the brewing process.
Description
What is Crystal?
Crystal is a hybrid hop variety with roots in Germany, developed in the United States to deliver European-style aromatics with greater versatility. Known for its Hallertau lineage, Crystal is highly regarded for its ability to enhance beer with gentle, nuanced flavours.
How to Use Crystal
Crystal hops shine in multiple brewing applications. While they can contribute light bitterness, their real strength lies in aroma additions and dry hopping. Adding Crystal late in the boil or during fermentation highlights its floral, herbal, and slightly spicy aromas.
- Bitter Hop: While not typically the primary choice for bittering, Crystal can provide a smooth and mild bitterness when used in early boil additions.
- Aroma Hop: As an aroma hop, Crystal excels in contributing sophisticated herbal and floral notes, often compared to noble hops but with an added complexity.
- Dry Hop: Dry hopping with Crystal intensifies its bouquet of light spice, earth, and floral tones, making it perfect for styles requiring subtle elegance in aroma.
Flavour Profile
Crystal's flavour profile brings a layered complexity of soft floral tones, subdued citrus, and a delicate herbal spice, creating an inviting and refined taste.
Combining with Other Hops
Crystal pairs beautifully with other noble or noble-derived hops, such as Hallertau and Saaz, and can also complement brighter varieties like Cascade to add depth and balance.
Benefits of Crystal
The primary benefits of Crystal lie in its noble heritage, smooth bitterness, and complex aroma. Its adaptability across beer styles and brewing techniques makes it a valuable addition to a brewer’s toolkit.
Substitution:
- Substituting Crystal: Crystal hops can be substituted with noble varieties like Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Saaz, or Tettnanger for a similar refined aroma.
- Crystal as a Substitute: Crystal works excellently as a replacement for noble hops when a brewer wants to achieve a slightly more complex and modern twist to traditional flavours.
History:
Crystal hops were developed as part of an effort to create disease-resistant varieties with noble hop characteristics. Released in the 1980s, they quickly gained a reputation as a reliable choice for quality aromatics in brewing, particularly in styles requiring subtlety and finesse.
Key Features:
Origin: United States
FLAVOUR PROFILE:
- Woody
- Floral
- Citrus
- Spicy
- Earthy
HOP STATISTICS:
ACID COMPONENTS
Alpha Acids 2.5 – 6% w/w
Beta Acids 4 – 7% w/w
Cohumulone 19 – 26% of alpha acids
OIL COMPONENTS
Total Oil 0.8 – 1.8 mls/100 grams
Caryophyllene 7% of whole oil
Farnesene <1% of whole oil
Humulene 26% of whole oil
Type T90 Hop Pellets
Myrcene 47% of whole oil
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