27/02/2025
British beer drinkers tend to enjoy a mix of classic and modern hops, often favouring those that deliver big aromas and bold flavours. Some of the most popular hops among UK craft beer enthusiasts include:
1. Citra ๐บ๐ธ
Flavour/Aroma: Citrus, tropical fruit (mango, lime, grapefruit)
Why Itโs Popular: Used in many of the UKโs most popular hazy IPAs and pale ales, Citra is known for its juicy, vibrant character.
2. Mosaic ๐บ๐ธ
Flavour/Aroma: Berry, stone fruit, pine, tropical fruit
Why Itโs Popular: Adds depth and complexity, often used in single-hop beers due to its versatility.
3. Simcoe ๐บ๐ธ
Flavour/Aroma: Pine, passionfruit, berry, earthiness
Why Itโs Popular: A favourite for West Coast IPAs, adding a dank and resinous quality.
4. Nelson Sauvin ๐ณ๐ฟ
Flavour/Aroma: White wine, gooseberry, tropical fruit
Why Itโs Popular: Offers a unique wine-like quality that pairs well with hazy and juicy styles.
5. Galaxy ๐ฆ๐บ
Flavour/Aroma: Passionfruit, peach, citrus
Why Itโs Popular: Loved for its intense fruitiness, often used in combination with Citra and Mosaic.
6. Strata ๐บ๐ธ
Flavour/Aroma: Passionfruit, grapefruit, cannabis, dank
Why Itโs Popular: A rising star in the UK craft scene, especially for those who enjoy juicy yet slightly dank beers.
7. Sabro ๐บ๐ธ
Flavour/Aroma: Coconut, lime, tangerine, creamy texture
Why Itโs Popular: Adds a smooth, tropical twist, often used in modern hazy beers.
8. Chinook ๐บ๐ธ
Flavour/Aroma: Pine, spice, grapefruit
Why Itโs Popular: A key hop in West Coast-style IPAs and some traditional British ales.
9. Bramling Cross ๐ฌ๐ง
Flavour/Aroma: Blackcurrant, spice, earthiness
Why Itโs Popular: A classic British hop that works well in stouts, porters, and traditional bitters.
10. East Kent Goldings (EKG) ๐ฌ๐ง
Flavor/Aroma: Floral, honey, light spice
Why Itโs Popular: The backbone of many traditional British ales, adding elegance and balance.
While Citra and Mosaic dominate the UK craft beer scene, there is a growing appreciation for new-world hops like Nelson Sauvin and Strata, as well as British varieties like Bramling Cross and East Kent Goldings in more traditional styles.
Which hop profile do you prefer - juicy, tropical, piney, or something else? ๐ป