VIC SECRET, Pellets T90
Vic Secret is a versatile Australian hop variety celebrated for its remarkable ability to deliver a clean yet impactful burst of flavours. Known for its tropical and herbal notes, this hop adds an intriguing layer of complexity to any brew, making it a favourite among craft brewers aiming for distinct and dynamic profiles.
- Flavour Profile: Vic Secret offers vibrant aromas of tropical fruits, including passionfruit and pineapple, complemented by earthy herbal undertones.
- Beer Styles: This hop is well-suited to pale ales, IPAs, and hoppy lagers. Its crisp and bright character also shines in experimental or modern beer styles.
- Alpha Acids: With alpha acids ranging between 15% and 22%, Vic Secret brings a robust bitterness to the boil, perfect for creating balance in hop-forward beers.
- How to Use Vic Secret: Vic Secret excels in late additions and dry hopping, enhancing aroma and flavour while keeping bitterness in check. It is a brilliant choice for creating depth in hop-forward ales.
Description
What is Vic Secret?
Vic Secret is a powerhouse hop from Australia, bred for brewers seeking bold and aromatic profiles. Released in 2013, it shares some lineage with the Australian classic Galaxy but brings its own unique blend of tropical and herbal characteristics to the table. Its high alpha acids make it a go-to for strong yet refined bitterness, while its essential oils ensure a nuanced flavour delivery.
How to Use Vic Secret
Vic Secret is most celebrated for its use in late-stage additions, where its tropical and herbal qualities flourish. Whether you’re dry hopping for a juicy IPA or adding it in the whirlpool for a bright pale ale, this hop knows how to make a statement.
- Bitter Hop: Thanks to its high alpha acid content, Vic Secret provides a solid backbone for hop-forward beers. When used in the boil, it creates a clean, crisp bitterness that doesn’t overshadow other flavours.
- Aroma Hop: In the aroma department, Vic Secret truly shines, with its passionfruit and earthy herbal characteristics standing out. This makes it an excellent choice for aroma-forward beers.
- Dry Hop: Vic Secret takes your brew to the next level when used as a dry hop. It imparts vivid tropical and herbal notes while maintaining a delicate balance.
Flavour Profile
Vic Secret’s flavour profile is a unique combination of tropical fruits like pineapple and passionfruit, rounded out by an earthy, slightly resinous herbal quality. These elements make it a compelling addition to any beer looking for a modern and refreshing character.
Combining with Other Hops
Vic Secret pairs beautifully with other bright and fruity hops like Galaxy, Citra, and Mosaic. Its tropical notes complement these varieties, while its herbal undertones add depth and complexity to the mix.
Benefits of Vic Secret
Brewers appreciate Vic Secret for its versatility, bold aromas, and consistent performance. Its ability to shine in multiple beer styles makes it an invaluable tool for creating diverse and engaging brews.
Substitution
- Substituting Vic Secret: When substituting Vic Secret, hops such as Galaxy or Citra are excellent alternatives, offering similar tropical fruit and citrus characteristics.
- Vic Secret as a Substitute: Vic Secret works well as a substitute for Galaxy or Mosaic, providing a slightly more herbal undertone while still delivering the vibrant tropical fruitiness.
History
Bred by HPA (Hop Products Australia), Vic Secret emerged from the desire to create a hop variety with a distinct and impactful aroma. Since its release, it has become a staple for brewers worldwide seeking modern and flavourful hops.
Key Features:
Origin: Australia
FLAVOUR PROFILE:
- Passionfruit
- Pineapple
- Herbs
- Earthy
HOP STATISTICS:
ACID COMPONENTS
Alpha Acids 15 – 22 % w/w
Beta Acids 6 – 8 % w/w
Cohumulone 51 - 56 % of alpha acids
OIL COMPONENTS
Total Oil 2.1 – 2.8 ml/100 g
Myrcene 31 -46 % of whole oil
Humulene 9.4 -12.2 % of whole oil
Farnesene <1% of whole oil