It is named after the Czech city of Zatek, which in German is Saaz. It has a distinct flavor that is mild, earthy yet spicy. It is the definitive hops used in Pilsner Urquell and Budvar , which are the basis for almost all of the most popular American lagers.
However Saaz is also widely used in all types of lagers, pale ales, wheat beers, and many continential styles. Its closest substitute is a hop called Sladek, thought often Tettnanger, Lublin, Ultra or Sterling may be used. It is grown in a fairly small acreage and not as widely distributed as other noble hops making it somewhat difficult for home brewers to obtain. It provides a mild, slightly spicy flavor with a strong noble hop aroma. Substitutions include Saaz, Tettnanger.
A fungi called verticillium ravaged the Hallertau hop crop at that time. The hop has a highly floral character, slightly earthy but without a very strong spicy flavor. Substitutes include Hersbrucker, Mt Hood and Liberty.
But when in comes to hops, the varieties and the places they come from are just as—if not more—complex than wine grapes. Hops have been cross-pollinated for centuries as farmers have sought the perfect hop, and noble hops are often a common ancestor. But what makes them so special? What are the varieties?
And just what kind of brews can you use them in? Noble hops are prized for their smooth bitterness, complex aromatics, and spice. It helps to think about noble hops like prized wine. Noble hops may cost you a little more than regular hops. Genetic researchers have found evidence suggesting Saaz, Tettnanger, and Spalt hops likely share a common ancestor or were crossbred at some point, placing them in a single Saazer group.
Their acid and oil profiles are similar, but their aromas vary thanks to varied growing conditions and methods. Known for a genuine hoppiness, Saaz hops typically has a spicy, citrusy, and floral aroma. Specific scent notes may include tarragon, lavender, cedarwood, or even smoked bacon. Saaz is a frightfully delicate plant , and has been cloned nine times in an attempt to preserve the species thanks to its low viability and susceptibility to mildew.
The city of Spalt has been cultivating hops since as far back as the late eighth century. In , it was the first hop to be granted the German hop seal, which is both a regional commitment and documentation of the variety. Like its Saaz cousin, Spalt hops are known for their hoppy aroma, as well as floral, herbal, and fruity notes. Spalt-hopped beers may have woody, peppery, and banana scents or flavors.
Watch out! Despite their similar names, Spalt and Spalter Select are different varieties. Be especially careful when looking for this noble hop. Some versions labeled as Tettnanger are actually hybrids, mixed with Fuggle hops, and therefore not a true Tettnanger or noble hop. This can lead to some confusion.
Take Tettnang, for example. So far, so good. This variety was actually propagated from hops growing near Sankt Gallen, Switzerland, which is on the other side of Lake Constance from Tettnang, Germany. Noble hops can be used during every stage of the brewing process. From bittering, to late boil additions, to dry hopping, noble hops can add bright herbaceous, grassy, and floral aromatics.
As noted, noble hops only have alpha acid concentrations of between 3 and 5. For that reason, many brewers choose to bitter their beers with higher alpha acid hops, like Magnum. On the other hand, bittering with noble hops can have added benefits like a rounder bitterness and improved foam retention.
Noble hops have a mystic and regalness about them. Grown to high standards and very consistent between crop years, noble hops are certainly some of the finest in the world. Because of their popularity, they can sometimes be hard to come by. Noble hops provide clean and soft bitterness, herbal and floral aromatics, and a delicate flavor profile to beer.
Used mainly in European styles like German or Czech Pilsner, Belgian ales, and wheat beer, noble hops are renowned for their quality. If you want to brew the most accurate interpretations of traditional European styles, get yourself some noble hops.
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