Saaz hops

Saaz is a "noble" variety of hops. It was named after the Czech city of Žatec (German: Saaz). This hop is used extensively in Bohemia to flavor beer styles such as the Czech pilsener. Saaz hops accounted for more than  23 of total 2009 hop production in the Czech Republic.[1] It is the main hops variety used in the production of global beer Stella Artois.

Characteristics

Saaz has a very distinctive flavour. When used in beer, the resultant aroma is very mild, earthy, herbal and spicy. Despite its popularity and noble pedigree, Saaz generally has a very low Alpha Acid level and is not very effective as a bittering hop. This hop is generally used for Bohemian style lagers and pilseners.[2]

Another variety of Saaz hops has been propagated in the United States of America. The US variety has a higher Alpha Acid content than the original Czech variety.[3]

Acid and oil breakdown

Property Czech Variety[4] US Variety[5]
Yield (Kg/Ha) 800 - 1200 N/A
Alpha acids (%) 2.5 – 4.0 6.3 – 7.0[3]
Beta acids (%) 4.6 – 6.0 N/A
Alpha/Beta Ratio 0.6 – 0.9 N/A
Cohumulone (% of alpha acids): 23 – 26 N/A
Colupulone (% of alpha acids): 39 – 43 N/A
Total Oils (Mls. per 100 grams dried hops) 0.4 – 1.0 0.6
Myrcene (as % of total oils) 25 - 40 37
Linalool (as % of total oils) 0.4 - 0.8 N/A
Caryophyllene (as % of total oils) 6 - 9 7
Humulene (as % of total oils) 15 - 25 23
Farnesene (as % of total oils) 14 - 20 N/A
Selinenes (as % of total oils) 0.5 - 1.5 N/A
Possible Substitutions Centennial, Amarillo, Motueka

References

  1. "Hop Statistics - Hops Growers Union of the Czech Republic". www.czhops.cz. Retrieved 2010-01-23.
  2. Palmer, John (2006). How to Brew. Boulder, CO: Brewers Publications. pp. Chapter 5 part 3. ISBN 0-937381-88-8.
  3. 1 2 "Hops Direct - US Saaz growers". www.hopsdirect.com. Retrieved 2010-01-23.
  4. "Czech Hops Research Institute". www.chizatec.cz. Retrieved 2010-01-23.
  5. Daniels, Ray (2000). Designing Great Beers. Boulder, CO: Brewers Publications. pp. 72–106. ISBN 0-937381-50-0.
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