Top 6 Most Classic Hops of All Time

January 27, 2025

There’s something magical about classic hops

The taste, the aroma, the elegance. They give you a taste of going back into the history and tradition of brewing.

In this blog, we will go to the most classic hops from America, Czech, Germany, & English.

These classic hops are:

Cascade Hops: The American Cornerstone

Cascade hops are the hops that revolutionized American craft beer.

They bring a bold citrus flavor that is completely different from traditional European hops.

This new flavor is the cornerstone of the American Pale Ale and IPA Styles.

Cascade Hops were developed in the 1950s by the USDA and released in 1972.

Originally their name was “USDA 56013”, but then changed to “Cascade” (a mountain range in Oregon).

Cascade remains a cornerstone of craft brewing, defining iconic beer styles like pale ales and IPAs and shaping the culture of bold, creative brewing.

Citra Hops: Cascade Successor

After Cascade Hops inspired the craft beer community, Citra hops were born.

Released in 2008, Citra quickly became known for its even more intense, juicy, and fruity profile.

While Cascade offered bold grapefruit and citrus notes, Citra takes it a step further with tropical fruit flavors like lime, passionfruit, and pineapple, creating an explosion of aroma and taste that has never been before.

Citra is the American hop evolution of Cascade.

It took the citrus aroma and flavor laid by Cascade then amplified it, appealing to the growing demand for fruit-forward beers like New England IPAs.

In essence, Citra built upon the legacy of Cascade, representing the next step in the evolution of American craft beer with its bigger, bolder, and juicier flavors.

Saaz Hops: Czech Timeless Classic

Saaz hops are named after the Czech town of Žatec (Saaz in German).

By the 11th century, hop cultivation in this area was thriving, and Saaz quickly became a cornerstone of European brewing traditions.

These hops are part of the prestigious noble hop family (Saaz, Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnanger, Spalt).

Brewers have relied on Saaz hops for generations to create balanced, high-quality beers.

When you think of Czech pilsners—the kind that set the global standard for light, crisp lagers—Saaz hops are the secret ingredient behind their magic.

What makes Saaz so special? It’s all about the flavor and aroma.

Their profile is mild yet complex, offering a subtle herbal and earthy aroma with just a hint of spice.

The bitterness is clean and smooth, never overpowering.

This balance allows the malt flavors to shine while adding just the right touch of sophistication to every sip.

Brewers love Saaz hops because they are not bold or aggressive.

Instead, they bring a quiet elegance that has stood the test of time.

When you enjoy a Czech pilsner or a light lager, you’re experiencing a piece of brewing history.

Saaz hops are a legacy, connecting centuries of beer lovers through their timeless charm.

Hallertau Mittelfrüh: Germany’s Oldest Hop Variety

Did you know Hallertau Mittelfrüh is one of the oldest hop varieties in the world?

Its roots trace back centuries, originating in the Hallertau region of Bavaria, Germany.

This variety has become a cornerstone of German brewing, cherished for its role in creating traditional beer styles that are enjoyed around the globe.

Hallertau Mittelfrüh has a refined aroma and balanced flavor.

Its profile is delicate yet memorable, with floral notes with a hint of spice and sweetness.

Unlike hops that overwhelm the palate, this variety brings a soft bitterness that complements rather than competes with the other ingredients in a beer.

For generations, German brewers have relied on Hallertau Mittelfrüh to craft some of their most iconic beer styles like bock, wheat beer, and lagers.

Every sip of a beer made with these hops is a taste of brewing history, a reminder of why this variety has remained a classic for so many years.

Tettnanger Hops: A Heritage of Subtle Sophistication

Tettnanger hops have a long history from the Tettnang region in Germany, where hop farming dates back to the 18th century.

The region’s cool climate and rich soil have made Tettnanger hops known for their consistent, high quality.

These hops are famous for their delicate floral, herbal, and slightly spicy notes, making them perfect for lighter beers like pilsners.

Tettnanger is part of the noble hop family, which includes Saaz, Hallertau, Spalt, and Hersbrucker.

For centuries, Tettnanger has been used in European brewing, and it remains a key ingredient for beers that need a balanced, subtle flavor.

East Kent Goldings: The Essence of Traditional English Ales

East Kent Goldings hops are one of the most classic hops in English brewing.

Originating from the East Kent region, these hops have a long history and are known for their earthy aroma, with floral and honey-like notes.

What makes them so special is their deep connection to England’s brewing traditions.

Their smooth, balanced bitterness makes them perfect for traditional English ales, especially bitters and pale ales.

For years, brewers in England have relied on East Kent Goldings to create the flavors that define classic British beers.

This hop brings a timeless, refined quality to beers, making it a true symbol of English brewing.

Key Takeaways: The Timeless Appeal of Classic Hops

Classic hop varieties, such as Saaz, Hallertau Mittelfrüh, and Tettnanger, define traditional beer styles with their subtle and balanced profiles.
American classics, like Cascade, Citra, and Centennial, revolutionized craft brewing with their bold and dynamic flavors.
Versatility is a hallmark of many classic hops, making them suitable for a wide range of beer styles, from lagers to IPAs.

Bullet Point Summary:

Saaz: Herbal, spicy; best for pilsners and light lagers.
Hallertau Mittelfrüh: Floral, slightly sweet; ideal for German lagers and wheat beers.
Tettnanger: Floral, herbal; complements pilsners and European ales.
Cascade: Grapefruit, floral; perfect for pale ales and IPAs.
East Kent Goldings: Earthy, honey-like; great for English bitters and porters.
Fuggle: Mild, earthy; suited for stouts and milds.
Challenger: Spicy, fruity; works in bitters and porters.
Amarillo: Orange, floral; shines in IPAs and wheat beers.
Citra: Tropical, citrusy; dominant in IPAs.
Centennial: Floral, piney; versatile in many beer styles.

Classic hops continue to shape the brewing world, offering unique profiles that cater to traditional and modern palates alike. Whether you’re enjoying a Czech pilsner or an American IPA, these hops ensure every sip is a celebration of flavor and tradition.

FAQ

Q. What are the top 3 hops?

A. The top 3 hops often considered the most popular in craft brewing are:

Cascade – Known for its grapefruit and citrus flavors, it’s a cornerstone in American pale ales and IPAs.
Citra – Famous for its intense tropical fruit flavors like lime, passionfruit, and grapefruit, it’s used in hazy IPAs and juicy beers.
Centennial – Often called a “super Cascade,” it offers a mix of citrus, floral, and pine notes, making it versatile for many beer styles.

Q. What are the 5 noble hops?

A. The 5 noble hops are:

Saaz – Known for its mild, earthy, and herbal qualities, it’s used in many traditional Czech pilsners.
Hallertau – A German hop offering balanced, mild bitterness and floral, spicy flavors.
Tettnanger – Known for its delicate floral, herbal, and slightly spicy notes, often used in lighter beer styles like pilsners.
Spalt – A hop with mild bitterness and earthy, herbal characteristics, typically used in German-style lagers.
East Kent Goldings – A traditional English hop known for its earthy aroma, floral, and honey-like undertones, used in bitters and pale ales.

Q. What hops are used in classic pilsner?

A. Classic pilsners often use Saaz hops for their mild, herbal, and earthy character. Tettnanger is also a common choice, adding a delicate floral and slightly spicy note. Both hops help create the balanced and refreshing profile of pilsners.

Q. What is the most versatile hop?

A. Centennial is often considered one of the most versatile hops. It combines the citrusy, floral qualities of Cascade with a touch of pine and herbal notes, making it suitable for a wide range of beer styles, from pale ales to IPAs and even stouts.

Q. What are the best hops for beer?

A. The best hops for beer depend on the desired flavor profile, but some of the most popular hops include:

Cascade for citrusy and floral notes.
Citra for bold tropical fruit flavors.
Saaz for earthy, herbal bitterness in lagers and pilsners.
Simcoe for piney, citrus, and fruity flavors.
Centennial for a balanced combination of citrus and floral notes.

Each hop brings its own unique character to different beer styles, so the best hop is the one that complements the specific beer you’re brewing.