You’ve probably used a lot of Citra, Simcoe, and Centennial, but you’ve probably held off from using foreign hops. When it comes to hops, the USA has the most diverse varieties, with many unique blends of flavors and aromas. However, some foreign hops have certain qualities and flavors that you can’t just replicate with local hops.
Galaxy
Even with the wide variety of fruity and citrusy hops in the USA, Galaxy still stands out with its distinct flavors. Galaxy produces distinct flavors of passion fruit and peach, together with a hint of pineapple and other tropical fruits. You’ll only find fruit and citrus tones in your Galaxy brews — no pine, spice, or any extra notes that muddle the flavors. Galaxy is excellent for IPAs and pale ales and is a good substitute for Citra if you want to shake things up a bit in your brewery. Galaxy is Australia’s most popular hop variety and is widely exported around the world, so you’ll probably have no problem buying Galaxy hops online.
Nelson Sauvin
Nelson Sauvin brews will probably make you do a double take on what you’re drinking. New Zealand’s favorite hop evokes flavors that are closer to wine than your usual beer. Nelson Sauvin will give your brews a creamy white wine flavor complete with the strong aroma of wine. Beers made from this Kiwi hop can be a bit overpowering for your everyday beer drinker, but wine drinkers will love it, and the novelty of the brew will almost assure it gets a bit of attention. Nelson Sauvin works well for IPAs and pales ales.
Challenger
The British love for their tea is widely known, but growing hops to taste like Earl Grey tea is a bit over the top. Whether it’s by accident or design, Challenger hop brews contain that distinct Earl Grey flavor that will have you scratching your head in confusion. Challenger produces strong spicy aromas and mild floral and fruity flavors. More mature drinkers will appreciate your Challenger brews, but you might need to blend it with more flavorful fruity or citrusy hops to bake it more appealing to the younger generation. Challenger is great for making ales, lagers, and stouts, especially during soccer season.
Tettnang
If there is a country known for its love of beer, it is Germany. Germans have been celebrating Oktoberfest for more than 200 years, and one of the most prominently used hops in that celebration is Tettnang. Tettnang will hit you with strong spice and floral tones, some mild fruit and citrus tones, and hints of earth and herbal tones. You might need to make sure your brews are a little more hoppy if you want to make a genuinely German brew. Tettnang is excellent for making German pilsners and lagers as well as American pale ales.
Mix it up once in a while and infuse a little more of the international into your brewery. Different hop brews will make your brewery a little more exciting and give your patrons more beers to drink.