Are you ready to take your saison brewing to the next level? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the characteristics and brewing techniques of four exceptional hops: Saaz, Styrian Golding, Citra, and Nelson Sauvin.
Each hop brings its unique flavor profile to the table, ensuring a delightful and refreshing twist to your saison. Whether you prefer traditional spicy notes, fruity and earthy hints, or vibrant citrus and tropical aromas, we have the perfect hop recommendations for you.
So, grab your brewing equipment, explore the fascinating world of hops, and get ready to create a truly exceptional saison.
The Best Hops for Saison
See our quick summary table below, or read on for all the delicious details!
| Hop | Flavor Profile | Common Pairings | Typical Alpha Acid Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saaz | Spicy, herbal, floral | Hallertau, Styrian Goldings, East Kent Goldings, Sterling, Simcoe, Amarillo | 3-5% |
| Styrian Golding | Earthy, fruity, slightly spicy | Fuggle, Saaz, Hallertau, Citra | 4.5-6% |
| Citra | Citrusy, tropical, floral | Simcoe, Amarillo, Nelson Sauvin, Hallertau Blanc | 11-13% |
| Nelson Sauvin | White wine-like, gooseberry, grapefruit, passionfruit | Citra, Simcoe, Hallertau Blanc, Styrian Golding | 12-13% |
| Hallertau Blanc | Fruity, floral, herbal | Nelson Sauvin, Citra, Saaz, Styrian Golding | 9-12% |
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Saaz – The Classic Choice for Saison
When it comes to brewing a delicious saison, Saaz is the go-to hop for many homebrewers.
This traditional noble hop, originating from the Czech Republic, is known for its spicy, herbal, and floral notes that perfectly complement the yeast and spice flavours commonly found in saisons.
Tips for using Saaz in Saison
Saaz has a low alpha acid range of 3-5%, which makes it ideal for adding a balanced bitterness without overpowering the beer.
To achieve this, add the hops at the beginning of the boil, targeting 20-30 IBUs. For a more pronounced hop character, add Saaz towards the end of the boil or even as a dry hop, allowing its flavours and aromas to shine through.
Common hop pairings
Saaz plays well with other hops that share similar or complementary qualities.
Some popular choices include:
Combining these hops in your saison recipe will create a complex and interesting flavour profile.
Styrian Golding – A Fruity and Earthy Alternative
If you’re looking for a hop that adds an earthy, fruity, and slightly spicy touch to your saison, Styrian Golding should be on your radar. This noble hop from Slovenia blends seamlessly with the yeast and malt flavours typically found in saisons.
Tips for using Styrian Golding in Saison
Like Saaz, Styrian Golding has a low alpha acid range (4.5-6%), making it excellent for providing subtle bitterness without overpowering the beer.
To achieve this, add the hops at the beginning of the boil, targeting 20-30 IBUs. For a more pronounced hop character, add Styrian Golding towards the end of the boil or even as a dry hop.
Common hop pairings
Styrian Golding pairs well with other hops that have similar or complementary qualities.
Some popular choices include:
- Fuggle
- Saaz
- Hallertau
- Citra.
Experimenting with these hop combinations in your saison recipe will lead to a unique and enjoyable drinking experience.
Citra – A Modern Option
Not only is Citra a modern and popular hop, but its citrusy, tropical, and floral notes make it a fantastic choice for your next saison brew. Trust me, your taste buds won’t be disappointed!
Tips for using Citra in Saison
When it comes to using Citra in your saison, you’ve got a few options. Citra, hailing from Washington State, is an American hop with an alpha acid range of 11-13%, a beta acid range of 3-4%, and an oil content of 2-2.8 ml/100g. This hop is known for imparting beautiful aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, flowers, and grass.
For bittering, add Citra at the beginning of the boil to achieve around 20-30 IBUs. If you’re after that delicious flavour and aroma, add it towards the end of the boil or even as a dry hop. Trust me, your saison will be bursting with character!
Common hops pairings
Citra pairs well with other hops that have similar or complementary qualities.
Some such hops are:
- Simcoe
- Amarillo
- Nelson Sauvin
- Hallertau Blanc.
Mixing and matching these hops in your saison will create a unique and complex flavour profile.
Nelson Sauvin – An exotic twist
Next up, we have the exotic and unique option for your saison: Nelson Sauvin. Named after the famed Sauvignon Blanc grape, this hop adds a white wine-like, gooseberry, and grapefruit character to your saison, giving it a refreshing, fruity twist.
Tips for using Nelson Sauvin in Saison
Nelson Sauvin is a New Zealand hop with an alpha acid range of 12-13%, a beta acid range of 6-8%, and an oil content of 1.1 ml/100g. It’s known for imparting white wine, gooseberry, grapefruit, and passionfruit aromas.
Like Citra, you can add Nelson Sauvin at different stages of the boil to achieve different effects.
For bittering, add it at the beginning of the boil for about 20-30 IBUs.
For flavour and aroma, add it towards the end of the boil or as a dry hop.
Common hops pairings
Nelson Sauvin pairs beautifully with hops like:
- Citra
- Simcoe
- Hallertau Blanc
- Styrian Golding
Experiment with these combinations to create a saison that’s truly one-of-a-kind!
Hallertau Blanc – a Balanced Touch
Last but not least, we have Hallertau Blanc, an interesting and versatile hop that’s perfect for saison. With its fruity, floral, and herbal notes, this German hop adds a delicate and balanced touch to your brew.
Tips for using Hallertau Blanc in Saison
Hallertau Blanc originates from the Hallertau Region in Germany and has an alpha acid range of 9-12%, a beta acid range of 4.5-6%, and an oil content of 1.2 ml/100g. It’s known for its fruit, flower, herb, and grass aromas.
Like the other hops we’ve discussed, you can add Hallertau Blanc at different stages of the boil.
For bittering, add it at the beginning of the boil for about 20-30 IBUs.
For flavour and aroma, add it towards the end of the boil or as a dry hop.
Common hops pairings
Hallertau Blanc goes well with hops like:
- Nelson Sauvin
- Citra
- Saaz
- Styrian Golding
Try out these combinations to create a saison that’s both refreshing and complex.