Exploring the Exciting World of Citra Hops
Welcome back to our Brewer’s Storeroom Series, where we dive deep into the ingredients that make our beers great. Today, we’re putting the spotlight on a hop variety that’s a favourite among craft brewers and beer lovers alike: the Citra hop.
Origins and Characteristics
First bred in 1990 and released to the brewing world in 2007, Citra is a relatively new player in the hop game but has quickly become a star in the craft beer scene. Known scientifically as HBC 394 cv., Citra was developed by the Hop Breeding Company, a joint venture aiming to create innovative and flavourful hops.
Citra hops are celebrated for their intense citrus and tropical fruit flavours, with notes of lime, grapefruit, passion fruit, and lychee coming through strongly. This makes them an excellent choice for adding a vibrant burst of flavour to any beer, particularly American IPAs, where their unique characteristics can really shine.
Brewed with Citra
At Western Herd, we love using Citra hops for their versatility and the distinct profile they lend to our beers. Whether we’re brewing an IPA or experimenting with a seasonal ale, Citra hops provide a robust flavour that can stand alone or blend beautifully with other varieties.
The key to harnessing the best of Citra is knowing when to add them during the brewing process. Used during the boil, they impart a pithy bitterness that underscores their citrusy notes. However, it’s in dry hopping where Citra truly comes into its own, releasing those tantalizing tropical aromas without additional bitterness.
Citra in our Beers
One of our core beers, County Clare Pale Ale, showcases Citra hops prominently. In this brew, Citra’s bold, fruity notes complement the rich malt base, creating a complex, flavourful, and refreshingly balanced beer. The feedback from our patrons? Absolutely stellar.
Beyond the Brew
Citra’s appeal isn’t limited to its flavour profile. Its high alpha acid content (ranging from 11% to 13%) and the essential oil composition make it an incredibly efficient bittering agent that doesn’t skimp on flavour, ensuring that each sip delivers a full sensory experience.
We hope this deep dive into Citra hops has piqued your interest and perhaps even inspired some home brewers out there to experiment with this dynamic hop.
Keep an eye on our blog for more insights into the ingredients that make our beers special. There’s always something new to discover in the world of craft beer.