Unlike the US version that is only used as a bittering hop with neutral aroma, the German version of Brewer’s Gold hops is also used as a bittering hop, but adds a black currant, fruity, spicy flavor and aroma to beer. The bitterness you get from these hops can be pungent considering the alpha acid content on most of these hops, which is why is used mostly as a bittering hop.
These hops were first bred by E. S. Salmon in the UK using some native UK hop varieties. Like every other hop, this variety went through brewing trials by local breweries before being released. In 1934, it was approved and received it’s name.
Here’s what you need to know about these hops:
Brewer’s Gold (German) Hops Alpha Acid %
5.5 – 7 %
Brewer’s Gold (German) Hops Beta Acid %
2.5 – 3.5 %
Brewer’s Gold (German) Hops Oil Content
1.8 – 2.2 %
Brewer’s Gold (German) Hops Cohumulone
40 – 48 %
Some beer styles that commonly use these hop varieties are Ales and German-Style lagers (heavier ones). Unlike the US version of these hops, there are many more possible substitutes for this hop variety. You can try using Northdown hops, Northern Brewer hops, Galena hops or Bullion hops.
Many make the mistake of confusing the US version for the German version when substituting hop varieties, but it’s the US version that is normally substituted only by Bullion hops, so you can’t go wrong if you were planning on using German Brewer’s Gold.
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