About Spalt Hops – The Unmissable Beer Ingredient Down Under!
If you’re someone who loves a good beer, then it’s time to talk about Spalt hops. Spalt hops, originating from the region of Spalt, Germany, have become increasingly popular in the beer brewing scene in Australia, thanks to their unique flavour and aroma profile. They’re the unsung heroes in your favourite craft beers, providing them with a brilliant balance of bitterness, aroma, and taste.
Delving Into the Hop History
The term “Spalt” refers to a range of traditional Bavarian hops and Spalt itself is one of the oldest hop-growing regions in the world. It can be traced back to the 8th century, proving its long-standing prominence in the brewing world. Historic breweries such as Hopferei Hertrich from Germany have made extensive use of these hops in their craft ales, further pushing Spalt hops on to the global stage. Over the years, its unique combination of noble-like flavours and strong aromatic presence has made it a preferred choice for brewers across the world, including Australia.
Understanding Spalt Hops Flavour and Characteristics
Spalt hops are traditional, noble-type hops. They are low in Alpha Acids – usually around 4-5%, while Beta Acids range from 4-5% too. This leads to a very balanced bitterness that doesn’t overpower other flavours in the beer.
What sets Spalt hops apart are their unique aroma and flavour. They produce an earthy, woody aroma paired with hints of spice and floral undertones. Brewers adore Spalt hops for their novel savoury flavour that is slightly peppery but smooth. This flavour profile combined with its dual-purpose nature (it can be used both for bitterness and aroma) makes it a versatile ingredient in beer brewing.
Spalt Hops in Beer Styles
In Australia, Spalt hops are mainly used in traditional German beer styles like Pilsners, Bocks, and Munich Lagers. However, adventurous craft brewers are also experimenting with them in American Pale Ales and IPAs. Some noteworthy examples are Nixon’s “Spalt Pilsner” and Hope Estate’s “FKA Bock”, which are Australian beers featuring Spalt hops, offering beer lovers a unique take on their favourite brews.
Substitutes for Spalt Hops
Can’t get your hands on Spalt hops? Worry not, there are several alternatives available. Tettnang, Saaz, and Select are known to closely mimic the profile of Spalt hops. They share the same noble heritage and give a similar balance of earthy and spicy flavours, thus making them ideal for substituting Spalt hops.
Wrapping Up
In the wonderful world of hops, Spalt hops with their historic heritage, unique flavour profile, and versatility, enjoy a special place. They have significantly shaped the beer styles by infusing them with unique flavours and aromas, making your beer drinking experience nothing short of memorable.
With their increasing popularity in Australia, now’s the perfect time to get acquainted with this hop variety. Whether you’re headed to your local brewery or experimenting with your own home brew, be sure to give beers made with Spalt hops a try. And remember, the journey of beer exploration is endless, so keep sipping, experimenting, and enjoying the hoppy goodness.
