The Marvel of Motueka Hops in Beer: A Dive into its Flavour, Substitutes and Styles!
Beer aficionados Down Under, it’s time we talk about a hop that’s gaining a lot of attention in the craft beer scene – the Motueka hop. With its unique characteristics and vibrant flavours, the Motueka hop is leaving its mark in the world of beer, especially in Australia’s flourishing craft brewing scene. As we set out to explore the world of Motueka hops, prepare your tastebuds for a roller-coaster ride of citrusy, herbal bliss.
A Hoppy History: The Origins of the Motueka Hop
Originally developed by HortResearch, New Zealand, Motueka hops are a testament to the immigration of hops, much like people, from one part of the world to another. This aromatic hop is a descendant of the Saaz hop, a noble hop variety native to Czech Republic. The journey of the Motueka hop from its European origins to its standing in New Zealand and further onto Australian craft brew popularity is a fascinating one indeed.
Primarily grown in the Nelson region of New Zealand, the Motueka hop was initially known as Belgian Saaz or Saaz B, before being renamed Motueka by NZ Hops Ltd in a nod to its local roots. Ever since, Motueka has been going places and is now highly sought after in the craft brewing circles, especially in Australia.
Flavour and Aroma Profile of Motueka Hops
At the heart of the Motueka hop’s appeal lies its profound flavour and aroma profile. Primarily known for imparting vibrant citrus notes, specifically lemon and lime, the hop also teases your palate with an underlying tropical fruit punch and a hint of fresh herbs. The result – a zesty, juicy, and refreshing flavour landscape perfect for summer days.
The Motueka hop boasts a reasonable Alpha Acid content within the range of 7-8% and Beta Acid content hovering around the 5-5.5% mark. These numbers hint at the hop’s dual-purpose nature, making it suitable for both bittering and aroma additions.
Beer Styles Featuring Motueka Hops
The versatility of Motueka hops shines brightly when it comes to its application in various beer styles. They’re particularly popular in Lagers, Pilsners, Belgian Ales, and India Pale Ales (IPAs), infusing a refreshing and vibrant character to these beer styles.
Several Australian breweries have also adopted Motueka hops expertly in their brews. For instance, Stone & Wood’s Pacific Ale – an Australian Pale Ale showcases a beautiful citrus aroma driven by the Motueka hops. At Mountain Goat Brewery, their Rare Breed IPA revels in the tropical influence of Motueka hops.
Substitutes for Motueka Hops
If for any reason, you can’t get your hands on some Motueka, there are a few hops that can step in as substitutes due to their shared flavour attributes. Saaz, with its distinct herbal and spicy notes can be a suitable stand-in. Other options would be Sterling or Centennial hops, each possessing some similar citrus characteristics.
In Conclusion
From its intriguing history to its distinctive flavour profile and versatility, there’s no denying the allure of Motueka hops. Its rise to fame in the Australian brewing scene is a sign of its unique appeal. Zesty, fun, and delightfully complex, the Motueka is indeed something of a superstar in the beer world.
For beer lovers looking for a refreshing twist to their brew or brewers seeking to experiment with new flavour profiles, the Motueka hop is your go-to. We encourage you to pop into a local brewery offering a Motueka-infused brew or why not get adventurous and craft your own Motueka hop beer at home? Discover the joy of this terrific hop variety and let your palate experience the citrus goodness it delivers. Cheers, mates!
