Introduction
Few elements in the brewing process have such a pronounced impact on flavour as hops. Today, we’re exploring one of the most celebrated and aromatic varieties – Amarillo hops. This hop has taken the beer world by storm, becoming a darling to craft brewers, especially in Australia. Read on to discover the distinct characteristics, flavour profile, and popular styles that utilise Amarillo hops.
Hop History
Amarillo hops, also known as VGXP01, made their appearance in the beer scene in 1990. The hop variety, literally named after its vibrant yellow colour (Amarillo means ‘yellow’ in Spanish), was found growing wild in Washington, USA. This relatively young hop was naturally developed, without any cross-breeding or genetic modification. Managed by the Virgil Gamache Farms, the Amarillo hop is still trademarked and grown only in specific regions.
Although an American native, Amarillo hops have seen a spurt in demand globally, including Australia. The increasing popularity of craft breweries in Australia has seen many brewers experiment with Amarillo hops, resulting in some amazing craft beers.
Amarillo Hops – Flavor and Characteristics
Amarillo hop’s alpha acid content ranges from 8% to 11%, while its beta acid content falls within 6% to 7%. While these values point toward a dual-purpose nature, Amarillo is generally enlisted for its aroma prowess over its bittering potential.
The Amarillo hop’s aroma and flavour include distinct floral, tropical, citrusy notes predominantly of grapefruit, while some might detect subtle hints of orange and lemon. The flavour is rounded off by its beautiful foundation of malt and caramel, giving it a complex yet balanced profile.
Amarillo Hops In Beer Styles
Amarillo hops are an outstanding addition to many beer styles, but it shines particularly in American Pale Ales, IPAs, and Double IPAs. Its fruity-citrusy character goes brilliantly with the bold flavours of these styles, creating a harmonious and extremely delightful beer.
One fine example from Australia is the ‘Amarillo Smash IPA’ by Exit Brewing. This beer displays Amarillo hop’s fruity characteristics paired fantastically with a single malt base. Another fabulous example is ‘Feral Sly Fox’, a session ale by Feral Brewing Company, perfect for a summer day, with light malt flavours complementing Amarillo hop’s zesty citrus profile.
Amarillo Hops – Substitutes
Because Amarillo hops are so distinct, finding an exact substitute could be challenging. However, if you can’t get your hands on this hop, there are a few choices available that could deliver comparable results.
- Centennial hops: Often chosen for their floral and citrusy characteristics closely resembling Amarillo’s.
- Cascade hops: Although their grapefruit notes are not as strong, they are still considered a viable substitute for their similar flavour profile.
Conclusion
The Amarillo hop offers extraordinary depths of flavour, boasting vibrant floral notes and inherent citrusy sweetness, making it a perfect addition to hop-forward beer styles. It’s easy to see why this hop variety enjoys such high esteem in the craft brewing domain, especially in Australia.
So next time you’re trying a new craft beer, check the label for Amarillo hops. And if you’re a homebrewer, consider introducing Amarillo hops in your next batch to give your beer a tantalizing aroma and a well-balanced citrusy taste. Either way, the Amarillo hop is waiting to transform your beer experience!
