Craft beer lovers are always on the hunt for the next great hop variety to try. One that has been making serious waves in recent years is Warrior hops. This hop strain is known for its versatility and flavor profile, making it a popular choice for commercial and home brewers.
What is the Warrior Hop?
The Warrior hop is a high alpha acid hop variety that was first bred in the United States in the 1990s. It was created by Select Botanicals Group and Yakima Chief Ranches, one of the largest hop producers in the world. The origins of warrior hops are a well-kept secret, but some believe it was bred by crossing Nugget hops and a USDA male hop plant, resulting in a hop with a high level of bitterness and a unique flavor and aroma profile. Warrior hops are grown mainly in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Flavor and Aroma Profile of Warrior Hops
When it comes to their flavor and aroma, they are truly, as their name implies, warriors. Known for its clean, crisp, and bitter taste, its bitterness level is actually not so bitter that it is overpowering, making it a perfect choice for both bitter and aromatic beers. It is also known for its spicy and floral notes, making it ideal for brewing American ales.
Often described as having notes of pine, and citrus, a slightly herbal aroma, and high oil content, it can contribute to a beer’s more complex flavor profile, making it a versatile hop that can be used in various beer styles.
Warrior Hops Alpha Acid Percentage
Warrior hops boast an impressive alpha acid range of 15-17% for all you hopheads out there. Although this does make it a perfect choice for bittering beer and adding flavor and aroma to a wide range of beers, it is most commonly used in hoppy beers like American-style pale ales and IPAs.
Brewing with Warrior Hops
Their high alpha acid content makes it an excellent choice for bittering but can also be used for aroma and flavor additions. It can add a complex flavor profile to the beer when used as a late addition or dry hop. Many commercial breweries have used Warrior hops in their flagship beers.
Where to Find Warrior Hops
Warrior hops are widely available to both commercial and home brewers. They can be purchased from various hop suppliers, including Yakima Chief Ranches, Hopsteiner, and Hop Union.
Final Thoughts on Warrior Hops
As you have seen, warrior hops are a versatile and powerful hop variety that will leave a lasting impression on any beer lover’s taste buds. Their clean bitterness and spicy, floral notes make them perfect for any beer style. So if you’re looking to add a versatile and flavorful hop to your next beer, think about trying them. You will quickly discover why warrior hops have become popular worldwide among brewers.
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