Introduction to Pride of Ringwood Hops In Beer – Shining the Spotlight on Its Flavour, Substitutes & Styles
As beer connoisseurs, we’re always intrigued by the distinct wealth of flavours beer offers. One of the stars behind these characteristic profiles is none other than the hop variety, and taking centre stage today is the Australian “gem”, Pride of Ringwood hops. From its noteworthy historical significance to the unique flavour profile it imparts to beer – it adds a lethal but enticing combination that brew-lovers in Australia and around the globe admire.
Charting the Hop History: Origins and Development of Pride of Ringwood Hops
In the grand tapestry of beer, the Pride of Ringwood hops hold a special place. The vernacular ‘crown jewel of Australian hops’ speaks volumes of its value. Named after an area in Melbourne, this variety is a super-star primarily cultivated in Australia since its development in 1958. This hop variety is an offspring of the famed Late Cluster, a hop strain from the USA, and OB21, an open pollination breeding female hop from Tasmania. Its rise to fame was spectacular, capturing the beer world’s attention and securing its place as a leading hop strain in Australian brewing.
Pride of Ringwood Hops in Beer: The Unveiling of its Flavour and Characteristics
The Pride of Ringwood hops owe its popularity to its distinct pungent aroma and flavour profile. Predominantly earthy, woody, and spicy, it also presents subtle fruit notes that add depth and complexity to its overall character. As far its chemistry goes, it boasts a high alpha acid content ranging from 8.0 to 10.0%. This characteristic gives it an impressive bittering potential, fitting the bill for more formidable beer styles.
Despite its high alpha acid concentration, it’s important to note that the Pride of Ringwood possesses a low Beta Acid content. This factor implies that despite its inherent bitterness, it isn’t overwhelmingly bitter, allowing its elegant aroma to still shine through significantly when used in brewing.
Spotlighting Pride of Ringwood Hops in Beer Styles
Pride of Ringwood hops have played an instrumental role in shaping and defining the Australian beer landscape. From the internationally acclaimed VB (Victoria Bitter) to the neighbourly Carlton Draught, this hops variety has lent its character to many brews. In addition, its consistent and robust characteristics also make it a preferred choice for other styles, including traditional lagers and English-style ales.
Alternate Stars: Substitutes for Pride of Ringwood Hops
While the Pride of Ringwood hops holds a special place in the heart of the brewing industry, there are some promising substitutes if you’re after a similar beer profile. Varieties such as Newport, Galena, and Northern Brewer offer compatible profiles, including their woody, and spicy notes. Each substitute boasts its unique twist, providing ample room for exploration and creativity on the brewer’s end.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Pride of Ringwood Hops
The Pride of Ringwood hops have indisputably left an indelible mark on the world of beer, resonating most strongly in Australia. Its robust character, unique flavour profile, and consistent performance have earned it enduring popularity. For those keen on experiencing a flavour drawn from the heart of Australia, indulging in a brew bolstered by these hops is an adventure worth embarking on.
So, what’s keeping you mate? Head to your local brewery or better yet, try your hand at brewing your own beer with the Pride of Ringwood. After all, the beer breeziness is in the journey, not just the destination!
