Overview
If we were to designate one hop as our superstar, it would be Crystal. Name a beer style - our Crystal has been used in it. This hop’s aroma is as clean as they come and hits you in the face with grapefruit and fresh peach. Our Vermont Crystal can add a clean hoppy background to lagers and stouts or you can load up the fermenter to create a bright and juicy New England IPA.
Crystal Hop Profile: Aroma & Flavor
Crystal is usually very reminiscent of the Hallertau variety it was bred to mimic. It’s known for being relatively subtle, with softer notes of citrus spice and a prominent wood/grass character. Its spiciness and earthiness are both very characteristic of German hops, but Crystal also adds a slight citrus note that’s more reminiscent of American varieties.
Our Vermont Crystal offers bright notes of grapefruit and peach with a floral undertone of chamomile. This is a special hop!
Crystal Hop History
Crystal was developed through the USDA hop breeding program as an American alternative to the German “noble” variety Hallertau Mittelfruh. In every regard, it was a roaring success!
It was bred from a Hallertauer hop and a USDA-selected male which resulted from a combination of Cascade, Early Green and Brewer’s Gold. Crystal very clearly reflects aspects of all those hops in its sensory profile, while also adding some American citrus characteristics.
Since its origins in 1983, Crystal has become a stalwart of the American craft brewing industry and a giant in its own right (as well as a go-to substitute for European hops).
Beers that use Crystal hops
IPAs (NE and West Coast), APA, Stout, Lager
When to add Crystal hops
Crystal hops are dual-purpose, and can be used at any point in the brewing process. Up front, Crystal adds a warm bittering kick, while more aromatics are available later in the brew.
What hops go well with Crystal?
Amarillo, Citra, Bravo, Centennial, Nugget
Crystal Hop substitute options
Hallertau Mittelfruh, Mt Hood, Strisselspalter, Liberty, Cascade
