Cluster hops, an essential ingredient in the craft of brewing, hold the distinction of being one of the oldest hop varieties grown in the United States. These versatile hops were once the dominant choice for American brewers, although their exact lineage remains a mystery. It is believed that Cluster hops may either be a descendant of a native American hop variety or the result of hybridization between imported and indigenous hop varieties.
This historic hop variety, which maintained its position as the preferred choice for American brewers until the late 1970s, brings a unique and complex profile to the beers it is used in. Cluster hops have a smooth, neutral bitterness that is complemented by their spicy and floral aroma along with fruity notes. These qualities make them an excellent choice for various beer styles, including Lagers, Stouts, and Porters.
Origin and History
Cluster hops have an intriguing history, having evolved in the United States over hundreds of years. Their origin remains uncertain, but it is believed that their development involved a hybridization of imported European hop varieties and indigenous American male hops. This unique blending made Cluster hops well-suited for the specific environmental conditions found in the US.
In the early days of Cluster hops, they became a popular choice for American brewers, especially in the pre-Prohibition era. Because of their versatility and adaptability, Cluster hops were extensively used in historical beer styles, including those found in pre-Prohibition lagers. They imparted clean, neutral, and slightly floral flavors that were sought-after in many beers of that time.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the significance of Cluster hops could not be understated. At that time, they made up a staggering 96% of the total acreage of hops grown in the United States. This dominance continued well beyond Prohibition. In 1935, almost a decade after its repeal, Cluster hops still occupied 90% of the US hops market.
Cluster hops have come a long way since those early years. While they do not enjoy the same level of popularity as in the past, they remain an essential part of American brewing history. Today, Cluster hops are witnessing a resurgence due to the increased interest in historical beer styles and the burgeoning craft beer movement.
As you explore the fascinating world of Cluster hops, remember their storied past and the key role they played throughout the last century of American beer production. Their unique history, marked by both success and challenges, is a testament to the ongoing evolution of hops and brewing traditions in the United States.
Characteristics of Cluster Hops
Aroma and Flavor
Cluster hops are known for their distinct aroma and flavor profile. When using these hops, you can expect a floral, earthy, and sweet fruit essence that reflects their dual-purpose nature. These aroma notes contribute to the reproduction of historical beer styles, making Cluster hops an excellent choice for brewing.
Alpha and Beta Acids
Regarding alpha and beta acids, Cluster hops have a moderate alpha acid percentage ranging from 5.5% to 8.5%. This makes them suitable for both bittering and aroma additions, depending on your desired beer style. Their beta acid percentage ranges between 4% and 5.5%, ensuring a well-rounded bittering quality. It’s essential to consider both alpha and beta acids, as they impact your beer’s overall balance, stability, and shelf-life.
| Acid Type | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| Alpha | 5.5% – 8.5% |
| Beta | 4% – 5.5% |
Total Oil Breakdown
To get a comprehensive understanding of the flavors and characteristics that Cluster hops bring to your beer, let’s examine their oil breakdown:
– Myrcene: Myrcene typically contributes to the citrus, herbal, and spicy flavors of hops. In Cluster hops, its percentage ranges from 45% to 55%.
– Humulene: Humulene contributes to the woody and earthy characteristics, with a percentage between 20% and 25%.
– Caryophyllene: Caryophyllene adds spice and pepper notes; its percentage ranges from 9% to 13%.
– Farnesene: Farnesene, which imparts fruity and floral flavors, can be found in trace amounts in Cluster hops.
– Total Oils (ml/100g): Cluster hops have a total oil content ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 ml/100g, which influences their aroma, flavor, and stability.
| Oil Component | Percentage or Range |
|---|---|
| Myrcene | 45% – 55% |
| Humulene | 20% – 25% |
| Caryophyllene | 9% – 13% |
| Farnesene | Trace Amounts |
| Total Oils | 0.4 – 0.8 ml/100g |
When working with Cluster hops, take into account their aroma, flavor, alpha and beta acid percentages, and total oil breakdown to create a well-rounded, historically-inspired beer.
Uses in Brewing
Cluster hops are versatile and can be used for various purposes in brewing, such as aroma, bittering, and dual-purpose hops. They play an essential role in balancing the flavors and enhancing the aromatic qualities of different beers.
Hop Varieties
Several hop varieties can be used in brewing various types of beer. The following are the compatible hop varieties to Cluster hops.
– Cascade hops are an American hop variety that have become extremely popular due to their versatility and unique aroma, often used in pale ales and IPAs.
– Chinook, Galena, and Eroica are suitable substitutes for Cluster hops in brewing. Chinook hops are often used in American Pale Ales and IPAs due to their high alpha levels and distinct piney flavor. Galena hops are known for their bittering qualities, while Eroica hops offer a unique fruity and floral aroma.
When brewing different beer styles, it’s essential to consider the specific hop varieties and their corresponding flavors.
Here are some examples of how these hops can be used in various beer styles:
– IPA (India Pale Ale): IPAs often feature a strong hop flavor, and the Cascade and Chinook hops are commonly used in IPAs for their distinctive flavors and aromas.
– Stout and Porter: Cluster hops can be utilized in stouts and porters for bittering purposes and to add a subtle fruity note.
– Pale Ale and English Pale Ale: Cluster hops and American hop varieties like Cascade can be used in pale ales to provide a balanced combination of flavors and aromas.
– Lager and Cream Ale: Cluster hops can be employed in lagers and cream ales to balance the sweetness of the malt while adding a subtle aroma.
Consider the specific hop varieties available when brewing beer styles to achieve the desired flavors and aromas.
Beer Styles Featuring Cluster Hops
Here are some popular beer styles where Cluster hops play an essential role in creating distinct flavors and aromas.
Amber Ale: Cluster hops are utilized to balance the maltiness and contribute a moderate bitterness in this rich, copper-colored ale. Their earthy and floral tones accentuate the overall character of amber ales, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate both malt and hop flavors in their beer.
Pale Ale: Cluster hops are also featured in various pale ale styles, including American Pale Ales and English Pale Ales. Cluster hops’ earthy and fruity notes complement the light malt backbone typically found in these ales, resulting in a well-rounded and refreshing taste.
Stout and Porter: While not as common, Cluster hops can be found in some stouter and porter recipes. These hops add subtle earthy and fruity flavors that work well with these beer styles’ robust roasted malt characteristics. This helps create a dynamic and complex taste experience for stout and porter enthusiasts.
Cream Ale: As a lighter and crisp beer style, cream ales benefit from Cluster hops’ mild bitterness and subtle fruity notes. This combination of flavors results in an easy-drinking and unassuming beer perfect for warm weather or as an introduction to craft beer for newcomers.
English Pale Ale: Cluster hops’ earthy, floral, and fruity flavors enhance the balance and complexity of English Pale Ales. These hops work harmoniously with the biscuity malt and fruity esters in this style, providing a satisfying and authentic taste for fans of traditional ale.
Cluster Hops Substitutes
When finding substitutes for Cluster hops, you have several options available. As an American hop variety, Cluster is known for its versatile bittering and aroma qualities. While there isn’t a lupulin powder version of Cluster hop available, here are some alternatives that you can consider for your brewing needs:
– Galena: This hop variety is an excellent substitute, providing similar bittering qualities and a clean, slightly fruity flavor profile. It can be used in a wide range of beer styles, making it a reliable choice when you cannot find Cluster hops.
– Chinook: Another American hop, Chinook offers a robust bitterness and spicy, piney aroma. While this hop can be slightly more aggressive than Cluster, it’s suitable for those looking to achieve bold hop character in their beers.
– Motueka: Hailing from New Zealand, Motueka is a unique option that imparts a tropical, citrusy aroma. While it may not provide an identical bittering profile to Cluster, it can deliver a refreshing twist to your brew.
– Nugget: Known for its robust bittering properties, Nugget makes an excellent choice when a solid bittering hop is required. It also contributes herbal, earthy, and slightly spicy note that pairs well with various beer styles.
– Talus: Another hop variety that can be used as a substitute for Cluster is Talus, which exhibits similar floral and spicy characteristics. This hop can be utilized across different beer styles, from IPAs and Pale Ales to Wheat Beers and Golden Ales.
Remember, choosing a hop substitute should be based on the characteristics you want to achieve in your final brew. By understanding the flavor and aroma qualities of each alternative, you can make a confident decision and create a beer that meets your expectations.
Harvest and Production
As you explore the world of Cluster hops, it’s essential to understand the harvest and production process behind this influential hop variety. Cluster is one of the oldest hop varieties grown in the United States, with its pedigree being unknown but potentially a result of hybridization between imported varieties and indigenous male hops. In the early 20th century, Cluster accounted for 96% of the total acreage of hops grown in the United States, making it a significant player in the industry.
The harvesting process for Cluster hops largely takes place in the Pacific Northwest region, where approximately 96% of total United States hop acreage can be found. One acre of hops consists of 889 plants, each of which can produce upwards of two pounds of cones. These cones are what is used in brewing, with Cluster hops being categorized by alpha, aroma, and dual-purpose types and further divided into varietals.
Yakima Chief Hops, Haas, and Hopsteiner are three significant names in the hop production industry that deal with Cluster hops. These companies are responsible for large-scale processing, logistics, and research and development of various hop varieties, including Cluster. However, it’s important to note that, as of now, no lupulin powder version of the Cluster hop is available from any of these companies.
Regarding agronomic aspects, Cluster hops have an average yield of 1,900 kg/ha, making them a reasonably productive crop for growers.
Storage and Form
Regarding storage stability, Cluster hops are known for their outstanding performance. These hops maintain quality even in non-refrigerated conditions, making them ideal for long-term use in brewing. This excellent storage property, combined with their balanced aroma and bittering profile, has made Cluster a go-to hop for many commercial US breweries.
In the brewing world, hops are typically available in different forms, such as pellets and lupulin powder. If you’re looking to brew with Cluster hops, you’ll find that it’s primarily available in pellet form, making it highly convenient and easy to incorporate into your recipes. Pellets are compressed, processed hops that provide better storage potential and can be more efficient in releasing their alpha acids during brewing.
However, if you’re searching for Cluster hops in lupulin powder form, you’re out of luck. Currently, no lupulin powder version of the Cluster hop is available on the market. Neither Yakima Chief Hops (Cryo/LupuLN2), Haas (Lupomax), or Hopsteiner has yet created versions of this hop variety in lupulin powder form.
Nevertheless, with its strong storage stability and the availability of pellets, Cluster hops remain a reliable and versatile ingredient that can enhance your brewing experience. Make the most of this vintage US hop and appreciate the floral and earthy notes it brings to your brews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main characteristics of Cluster hops?
Cluster hops are known for their balanced aroma and bittering profile, with alpha-acid levels ranging from 5-9% and low oil content of about 0.4-0.8 ml/100g. These robust hops have outstanding storage stability, making them a preferred choice for many commercial breweries.
How are Cluster hops typically used in brewing?
Cluster hops are versatile and can be used for bittering and aroma additions in your brewing process. Due to their balanced profile, they can contribute subtle floral and spicy notes to your beer while also providing a firm bitterness.
What is the origin of Cluster hops?
Cluster hops are believed to be the oldest variety of hops currently grown in the United States. Their pedigree remains unknown, but it is suggested that they may have resulted from the hybridization of imported varieties and indigenous male hops.
Which beer styles commonly use Cluster hops?
Cluster hops are commonly used in American-style lagers, cream ales, and various classic US beer styles. Their balanced characteristics make them suitable for a wide range of brewing applications, particularly beers that require a firm bitterness without overwhelming aroma complexity.
How do Cluster hops compare to other hop varieties?
Cluster hops have a relatively modest alpha-acid content and low oil content compared to other hop varieties. This makes them reliable in providing a clean and balanced bittering profile without imparting excessive aroma complexity. They may not be as pungent or robust as some modern hop varieties but have a specific classic appeal, especially in traditional American beer styles.
What substitutes can be used for Cluster hops?
If you cannot find Cluster hops for your brewing needs, suitable substitutes include Galena, Nugget, and Eroica hops. These alternatives share a similar bittering profile and can provide comparable results in your beer. It’s essential, however, to consider the alpha-acid content differences when using substitutes to maintain a similar level of bitterness.
P.S. Make sure to get your thank-you gift for visiting our blog. The details can be found either on the side or the bottom if you’re using a mobile device.