Unravelling the Secrets of Tettnang Hops – The Nobility of Flavour, Suitable Substitutes & Styles Preferred by Aussie Brewers
The world of brewing is a cornucopia of delight and wonder, with a host of ingredients that bring unique, distinguished flavours and characters to each beer. Amongst these, hops hold a special place, imparting a different brewing quality, aroma, and taste. Today, let’s peek into the world of a well-loved hop variety – Tettnang. We’ll explore its history, flavour profile, distinct characteristics and its massive popularity, particularly Down Under, in Australia.
Winding Back the Clock: The History of Tettnang Hops
Named after the Tettnang region in Germany, Tettnang hops have been grown since the early 8th century. Belonging to the nurtured noble hop family, they are esteemed for their quality and aroma, contributing to some of the world’s finest beer styles. With an intriguing history, Tettnang’s journey from being a local German hop to gaining worldwide fame, including Australia, has been quite exceptional. Today, it is cherished for its finesse and widely cultivated in regions with similar terroir, such as Australia’s cool climate hop-growing areas.
Tettnang Hops: Its Signature Flavour and Characteristics
Tettnang hops are renowned for their blissfully mild and balanced nature. They have a relatively lower-alpha acid content (3.5-5.5%), making them a classic aroma hop, typically brewed in lagers, pilsners, and wheat beers for a subtle, delicate bitterness.
The true magic of Tettnang lies in its delightfully distinct aroma and flavour profile. They impart an exquisite floral and spicy character, with subtle hints of herbal and fruity tones, adding an intriguing complexity to the beers they grace. The beer’s smooth finishing bitterness and captivating aroma make it a brewer’s all-time favourite.
Are Tettnang Hops Dual-Purpose?
While they shine as aroma hops, Tettnang is, by nature, a versatile dual-purpose hop. With the right brewing techniques, these hops can also provide the beer with a robust foundation of balanced, refined bitterness reinforcing its intrinsic tastiness.
Beers Styles Featuring Tettnang Hops
Tettnang is the star of many well-loved beer styles, notably German and Belgian ales, Pilsners, Lagers, Wheat Beers, and Bocks. Several Australian breweries have also embraced this noble hop, integrating its unique character in their signature brews. For instance, Stone & Wood’s Green Coast Lager, brewed with Tettnang hops, features a crisp and floral character that stands testament to this hop’s unmatched versatility and charm.
Seeking Substitutes for Tettnang Hops?
Are you brewing a recipe that calls for Tettnang but have run out of stock? Worry not, because there are a handful of substitutes that mimic Tettnang’s character reasonably well. Hop varieties such as Saaz, Spalt, and Santiam share a similar aroma profile, serving as decent alternatives in a pinch.
However, remember, each hop imparts its unique touch, and substitutions may not exactly replicate the original’s flavour, aroma, or bittering. So, these alternatives should be your go-to only when Tettnang hops are not readily available.
In the whirlwind and ever-evolving world of beers, Tettnang hops hold their ground as time-honoured favourites. With their distinguished floral and spicy notes, ability to enrich a spectrum of beer styles, and influence in Australian brewing, they are indeed a nobility amongst beer hops.
So, why wait? Use this newfound knowledge to appreciate the craft of brewing better. Visit your favourite local brewery, savour the subtle notes of Tettnang in their beers, or get adventurous and arrange a homebrewing session using Tettnang hops. Discover for yourself why these hops have won the hearts of beer enthusiasts far and wide!
