Bitter vs Sweet Hops: The Great Craft Beer Showdown
- The Hopper
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 14
When it comes to craft beer, the debate between bitter and sweet flavours is as old as brewing itself. Beer lovers often find themselves firmly planted on one side of the fence—either relishing the lip-puckering bitterness of hop-forward brews or luxuriating in the smooth, sweeter notes of malt-driven ales. As someone who despises bitter tastes and detests West Coast IPAs, I’ve made it my mission to navigate the vast world of craft beer without my taste buds staging a revolt.
Understanding the Role of Hops
Hops are the star ingredient when it comes to crafting a beer's flavour profile. These green cones, harvested from the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), contribute bitterness, aroma, and flavour. Depending on the variety and brewing technique, hops can introduce notes of pine, citrus, tropical fruits, or even floral undertones.
The bitterness in beer comes from alpha acids in the hops, which are released during the boiling process. Brewers have complete control over how much bitterness they want to extract, but the choice of hop variety also plays a massive role in the final taste.
The Bitter Side: Hop Varieties That Pack a Punch
West Coast IPAs are infamous for their aggressive bitterness, often described as resinous, piney, and citrusy. These beers have a cult following but, frankly, they’re my nemesis. The primary hops used in these bitter bombs include:
Cascade: A classic American hop with bold grapefruit and floral notes.
Chinook: Known for its spicy, piney character with hints of citrus.
Columbus: A powerhouse hop with intense dank and earthy flavours.
Centennial: Often called “Super Cascade,” it brings floral and citrus tones with a punch.
Strata: A newer hop known for its complex blend of tropical fruit, fresh strawberry, and dank herbal notes.
These hops are beloved by those who seek a beer that smacks them in the face with bitterness, but if that’s not your vibe, there’s a sweeter path to take.
The Sweeter Side: Hops for a Softer Touch
If you, like me, prefer your beers without a bitter onslaught, there are hops that deliver a softer, more fruit-forward profile. These hops are often found in New England IPAs (NEIPAs) and other sweeter, hazy brews:
Citra: As the name suggests, this hop bursts with juicy citrus flavours like orange and grapefruit, with minimal bitterness.
Mosaic: A versatile hop with notes of tropical fruits, berries, and a touch of earthiness.
El Dorado: Think candied fruits and juicy watermelon—sweet and delightful.
Galaxy: An Australian hop with intense passion fruit and citrus notes.
Motueka: A New Zealand hop with bright lime, tropical fruit, and subtle floral characteristics.
Nelson Sauvin: Famous for its wine-like characteristics, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc grapes, with notes of gooseberry and tropical fruit.
Luminosa: A newer hop celebrated for its bright tropical flavours, including mango and candied orange, with a smooth, low bitterness.
These hops often undergo dry-hopping (added after the boil) to enhance aroma and flavour without contributing bitterness.
New Zealand Hops: My Struggle for Love
New Zealand is known for producing some incredible hop varieties, but so far, I haven’t found any that tickle my fancy. Take Nelson Sauvin and Motueka, for example. Nelson Sauvin is famed for its wine-like characteristics, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Motueka brings bright lime and tropical fruit notes. While these sound fantastic on paper, there’s something about their flavour profile that just doesn’t work for me. Maybe I’ve yet to find the right beer that showcases their potential without veering into bitterness.
Why I Detest West Coast IPAs
West Coast IPAs are the antithesis of what I enjoy in a beer. They’re bold, brash, and unapologetically bitter. The piney, resinous flavours might be heaven for some, but for me, it’s like chewing on a Christmas tree while getting punched in the taste buds. Give me a smooth, juicy NEIPA any day of the week.
Conclusion
The world of hops is vast and varied, offering something for every palate. While I may steer clear of bitter West Coast IPAs and New Zealand hops (for now), I remain open to exploring sweeter, fruit-forward brews that delight rather than assault my senses. Craft beer is all about discovery, and I’m always on the lookout for the next perfect pint.
If you have any recommendations for hops or beers that lean towards the sweeter side, drop me a suggestion. Let’s keep the bitter beers at bay and raise a glass to sweet success!
Hopper out!
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