Eclipse® hops, known for their distinctive sweet mandarin and zesty citrus peel flavors, have quickly become a favorite among brewers and hop enthusiasts alike. This article explores the unique qualities of Eclipse® hops, their origins, and their impact on the brewing industry. Whether you’re a brewer looking to enhance your next batch or a hop enthusiast curious about the latest trends, this comprehensive guide is worth your time.
What Are Eclipse Hops?
Eclipse® hops, a product of the Hop Products Australia (HPA) breeding program, are a new proprietary hop variety that has been making waves in the brewing community. Created in 2004 and released commercially in 2020, these hops are known for their intense and distinct flavor profile. The development of Eclipse® hops involved cross-pollination to achieve their unique characteristics, which include a high alpha acid content and aromatic properties that make them ideal for various beer styles.
For those looking to buy hops for their brewing projects, Eclipse® hops are a valuable addition to your repertoire. Eclipse® hops are particularly noted for their sweet mandarin flavor, which sets them apart from other hop varieties. This hop variety also imparts zesty citrus peel and fresh pine elements, giving it a classic west coast IPA vibe. The combination of these flavors and aromas makes Eclipse® hops a versatile choice for brewers looking to create fruit-forward, aromatic beers.
The Origin Story: HPA Breeding Program
Eclipse® hops were created by the HPA breeding program in 2004 and were commercialized in 2020. The HPA breeding program focuses on developing new hop varieties that meet the evolving needs of brewers and beer enthusiasts. By cross-pollinating different hop plants, HPA aimed to create a hop that offered both unique flavors and high alpha acids.
The breeding program involved extensive testing and selection processes to ensure that the final product met the desired standards. Eclipse® hops are the newest variety to be released by Hop Products Australia, showcasing the innovative efforts of the HPA team. Their commitment to quality and experimentation has resulted in a hop variety that is both flavorful and versatile.
Flavor Profile: Sweet Mandarin and Citrus Peel
One of the most distinctive features of Eclipse® hops is their flavor profile, which is dominated by sweet mandarin and zesty citrus peel. This unique combination of flavors makes Eclipse® hops stand out in the crowded hop market. The sweet mandarin flavor imparts a refreshing and fruit-forward taste, while the zesty citrus peel adds a layer of complexity and brightness to the beer.
Brewers appreciate Eclipse® hops for their ability to impart fruit-forward flavors and aromas that enhance the overall drinking experience. The citrus peel and fresh pine elements also give it a classic west coast IPA vibe, making it a popular choice for those looking to create bold and aromatic beers.
Brewing with Eclipse® Hops
Brewing with Eclipse® hops offers a range of possibilities due to their versatile flavor profile and high alpha acid content. These hops are best accessed through late hop additions, whirlpool, or dry hopping techniques. By adding Eclipse® hops later in the brewing process, brewers can maximize their aromatic and flavor contributions without overwhelming the beer with bitterness.
Eclipse® hops are particularly well-suited for brewing styles like IPAs, NEIPAs, and Pale Ales. Their ability to impart sweet mandarin and citrus peel flavors makes them an excellent choice for creating fruit-forward and aromatic beers. Brewers can experiment with different hop additions to achieve the desired balance of flavors and aromas.
Eclipse® Hops vs. Other Varieties
When compared to other hop varieties, Eclipse® hops offer a unique and distinctive flavor profile. Unlike traditional North American hops that often emphasize pine and resinous flavors, Eclipse® hops focus on sweet mandarin and citrus peel. This makes them a refreshing alternative for brewers looking to create beers with a different taste profile.
The high alpha acids in Eclipse® hops also set them apart from other varieties. These acids contribute to the hop’s bittering potential, making them suitable for a wide range of beer styles. The combination of high alpha acids and unique flavors makes Eclipse® hops a versatile and valuable addition to any brewer’s toolkit.
The Popularity of Australian Hops
Australian hops have been gaining popularity in the brewing world due to their unique flavor profiles and high-quality production. Eclipse® hops are a prime example of this trend, showcasing the innovative efforts of Australian hop breeders. The success of Eclipse® hops has helped put Australian hops on the map, highlighting their potential to compete with more established hop-growing regions like Yakima Valley.
Brewers are increasingly turning to Australian hops for their distinctive flavors and aromas. The sweet mandarin and citrus peel characteristics of Eclipse® hops are just one example of the unique qualities that Australian hops can offer. As more brewers experiment with these hops, their popularity is expected to continue growing.
Using Eclipse® Hops in IPAs
Eclipse® hops are particularly well-suited for use in IPAs, where their sweet mandarin and zesty citrus peel flavors can shine. The high alpha acids in Eclipse® hops contribute to the beer’s bitterness, while the unique flavor profile adds depth and complexity. This makes Eclipse® hops an excellent choice for both traditional IPAs and more modern styles like NEIPAs and Cold IPAs.
Brewers can use Eclipse® hops in large doses to make late additions, ensuring that the aromatic and flavor qualities are well-preserved. By experimenting with different hop addition techniques, brewers can create IPAs that are bursting with sweet mandarin and citrus peel flavors, offering a refreshing and aromatic drinking experience.
Best Practices for Dry Hopping with Eclipse®
Dry hopping with Eclipse® hops can enhance the beer’s aroma and flavor without adding excessive bitterness. This technique involves adding hops to the fermenter after the primary fermentation has completed, allowing the hops to infuse the beer with their aromatic compounds.
When dry hopping with Eclipse® hops, it’s important to consider the timing and quantity of hops used. Adding hops too early can result in a grassy or vegetal taste, while adding too many hops can lead to an overwhelming aroma. By finding the right balance, brewers can achieve a beer that is aromatic and flavorful, with the sweet mandarin and citrus peel characteristics of Eclipse® hops shining through.
The Impact on NEIPAs and Pale Ales
Eclipse® hops have had a significant impact on the brewing of NEIPAs and Pale Ales, thanks to their fruit-forward flavors and aromatic qualities. The sweet mandarin and zesty citrus peel characteristics of Eclipse® hops are well-suited for these styles, which emphasize hop flavor and aroma over bitterness.
Brewers have found that Eclipse® hops can enhance the juicy and hazy qualities of NEIPAs, creating beers that are both visually appealing and flavorful. In Pale Ales, Eclipse® hops add a refreshing and aromatic touch, making them a popular choice for those looking to create well-balanced and aromatic beers.
Future Trends: What’s Next for Eclipse® Hops?
The future of Eclipse® hops looks bright as more brewers discover their unique flavor profile and versatility. The success of Eclipse® hops has demonstrated the potential for Australian hops to compete on the global stage, and we can expect to see more innovative hop varieties from HPA and other Australian breeders in the coming years.
Brewers will continue to experiment with Eclipse® hops, exploring new ways to use them in different beer styles and brewing techniques. As the popularity of fruit-forward and aromatic beers continues to grow, Eclipse® hops are likely to remain a key player in the brewing world, offering brewers a unique and versatile option for creating flavorful and aromatic beers.
Conclusion
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- Eclipse® hops are a new proprietary hop variety from Hop Products Australia, created in 2004 and commercialized in 2020.
- Known for their sweet mandarin and zesty citrus peel flavors, Eclipse® hops offer a unique and refreshing alternative to traditional hop varieties.
- The high alpha acid content and aromatic properties make Eclipse® hops ideal for a wide range of beer styles, including IPAs, NEIPAs, and Pale Ales.
- Australian hops, including Eclipse®, are gaining popularity for their unique flavors and high-quality production.
- Brewers can experiment with different hop addition techniques, such as late hopping and dry hopping, to maximize the aromatic and flavor contributions of Eclipse® hops.
- Eclipse® hops are expected to continue growing in popularity, with more brewers discovering their unique qualities and versatility.
Eclipse® hops are a new variety from Hop Products Australia, created in 2004 and released in 2020. They are known for their sweet mandarin and zesty citrus peel flavors, making them a unique and refreshing choice compared to traditional hops. Their high alpha acid content and aromatic properties make them perfect for many beer styles, including IPAs, NEIPAs, and Pale Ales.
By using Eclipse® hops, brewers can create innovative and flavorful beers that stand out in the crowded craft beer market. Whether you’re an experienced brewer or a hop enthusiast, Eclipse® hops offer an exciting option worth exploring. For those looking to buy bulk hops or source from a wholesale hops company, consider partnering with Hop Head Farms for high-quality hop varieties, including Eclipse® hops.
