GALENA, Pellets T90
Galena is a versatile and robust hop variety cherished by brewers for its balanced yet bold character. Known for its intense bitterness and rich aromatic depth, this hop shines in a wide range of beer styles, offering a unique contribution to both classic and innovative brews.
- Flavour Profile: Galena boasts a blend of fruity and citrusy notes with a gentle undertone of spice and blackcurrant.
- Beer Styles: Galena fits perfectly into IPAs, pale ales, stouts, and lagers, while also serving as a dependable base for experimental brews.
- Alpha Acids: With a high alpha acid range of 11,5–13,5%, Galena is an excellent choice for bittering.
- How to Use Galena: Galena’s high alpha acids make it a go-to bittering hop, while its delicate aromatic profile also lends itself to late additions and dry hopping.
Description
What is Galena?
Galena is a dual-purpose hop cultivated primarily for its bittering properties but equally admired for its aromatic versatility. First developed in the United States in the 1970s, it has become a staple for brewers worldwide due to its consistent performance and robust flavour.
How to Use Galena
Galena is a highly flexible hop. As a bittering hop, it delivers a clean, smooth bitterness that doesn’t overpower the palate. When used as an aroma or dry hop, it introduces a distinctive mix of citrus, blackcurrant, and slightly earthy notes, adding depth and character to your beer.
- Bitter Hop: Galena is renowned for its efficiency in providing a clean bitterness. This makes it a favoured choice in beer styles requiring a pronounced hop backbone, such as American IPAs or Imperial Stouts.
- Aroma Hop: Its aromatic complexity shines with fruity and citrusy notes complemented by subtle earthiness and spice. This allows it to work harmoniously in balanced or hop-forward recipes.
- Dry Hop: While not the most common use for Galena, its unique aromatics can enhance dry-hopping processes, particularly in beers looking for a fruity twist with subdued earthy undertones.
Flavour Profile
Galena offers flavours of citrus, blackcurrant, and subtle spice, underpinned by a smooth bitterness. These qualities make it an indispensable choice for brewers aiming for a multi-dimensional hop presence.
Combining with Other Hops
Galena pairs exceptionally well with other fruity and aromatic hops, such as Cascade or Citra, where it can boost the citrusy tones while adding depth with its earthy and spicy layers.
Benefits of Galena
- Reliable high alpha acid levels ensure consistent bittering.
- Unique flavour profile offers versatility across beer styles.
- Enhances both traditional and modern brews with its aromatic complexity.
Substitution
- How can this hop be substituted: For a similar smooth bitterness and fruity aroma, hops such as Nugget, Cluster, or Magnum are excellent replacements.
- Galena as a Substitute: Galena serves as a reliable substitute for Nugget or Magnum, particularly when a cleaner, softer bitterness is desired alongside a touch of fruitiness.
History:
Originating from the United States in the 1970s, Galena was bred as a high-alpha hop to cater to the growing demand for hops that could provide efficient bittering and distinct flavour profiles. It quickly became a favourite for its versatility and reliability, cementing its place in the world of craft beer.
Key Features:
Origin: USA
FLAVOUR PROFILE:
- Citrus
- Blackcurrant
- Spice
- Earthy
HOP STATISTICS:
ACID COMPONENTS
Alpha Acids 11.5 – 13.5% w/w
Beta Acids 7.2 – 8.7% w/w
Cohumulone 36 - 40% of alpha acids
OIL COMPONENTS
Total Oil 0.9 – 1.3 ml/100 g
Caryophyllen 3 – 5% of whole oil
Farnesene <1% of whole oil
Humulene 10 – 13% of whole oil
Myrcene 55 - 60% of whole oil