SAAZ, Pellets T90

What is Saaz?

Saaz is a cornerstone of traditional brewing, celebrated for its connection to the Czech brewing heritage. As one of the four "noble hops," Saaz embodies balance and finesse, offering delicate aromas and a restrained bitterness. Its gentle character makes it a versatile choice for brewers aiming to create classic, sessionable beers.

How to Use Saaz

Saaz excels as an aroma hop due to its low alpha acids and distinctive sensory profile. It is often used late in the boil or during dry hopping to add a subtle, herbal bouquet and floral undertones. While its low bitterness is ideal for maintaining balance in light beers, it can be layered for a nuanced complexity.

• Bitter Hop: Although not a powerhouse in bitterness, Saaz can provide a smooth and clean bitterness when used in larger quantities. Its mild alpha acid content ensures no harshness, making it a suitable choice for light and crisp lagers.
• Aroma Hop: Saaz shines as an aroma hop, delivering its signature earthy and spicy notes with grace. Its role in the classic Pilsner style has cemented its reputation as a hallmark of aroma hops.
• Dry Hop: Dry hopping with Saaz allows its floral and slightly spicy characteristics to take centre stage, adding elegance and refinement to the final product.

Flavour Profile

Saaz brings a harmonious blend of herbal, floral, and earthy flavours, lending an understated yet memorable character to beer. Its mildness makes it an excellent complement to other noble hops or modern hybrids.

Combining with Other Hops

Saaz pairs well with other noble hops like Hallertau and Tettnang, enhancing traditional lager profiles. It also works beautifully with newer, fruit-forward hops to add balance and complexity.

Benefits of Saaz

• Exceptional for light lagers and traditional ales.
• Imparts delicate aromas that complement malt-forward styles.
• Offers versatility for both classic and innovative beer recipes.

Substitution

• Substituting Saaz: Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnang, or Styrian Goldings can replicate Saaz’s herbal and floral qualities while offering slight variations in intensity.
• Saaz as a Substitute: Saaz can replace similar noble hops when seeking a milder, subtler aroma in beer styles requiring finesse.

History

Saaz has been cultivated in the Žatec region of the Czech Republic for centuries, deeply intertwined with the history of European brewing. Its reputation as a cornerstone of the Pilsner style began in the 19th century and continues to thrive today.

Key Features:

Origin: Czech Republic

FLAVOUR PROFILE:

• Herbal
• Floral
• Earthy
• Spicy

HOP STATISTICS:

ACID COMPONENTS

Alpha Acids 2 – 5% w/w

Beta Acids 2 – 6% w/w

Cohumulone 23 - 26% of alpha acids

OIL COMPONENTS

Total Oil 0.4 – 0.8 mls/100 grams

Farnesene 14 - 20% of whole oil

Humulene 15 - 30% of whole oil

Myrcene 25 - 40% of whole oil