Hops Spotlight: Zythos Hops, a Newcomer with a Big Entrance
Posted by Matteo Lahm on 5th Aug 2023
Zythos hops, a relatively fresh face in the world of brewing, first saw the light of day in the USA. This innovative hop variety didn't just sprout up from the ground; it was meticulously crafted and introduced to the world in 2011.
The mastermind behind this creation is Hopunion LLC, a renowned hop supplier with a reputation for quality and innovation. Their goal was ambitious yet straightforward - to create a proprietary blend of hops that could stand toe-to-toe with the best in the business. They weren't looking to just participate in the race; they were aiming for the gold.
The creation of Zythos hops wasn't a shot in the dark. It was a calculated move, a result of careful planning, extensive research, and a deep understanding of the brewing process. Hopunion LLC wanted to offer something unique to the brewing world, a hop blend that could add a distinctive character to any beer it graced.
And guess what? They didn't just meet their goal; they knocked it out of the park! Zythos hops quickly gained recognition in the brewing community for their unique flavor profile and versatility, proving that Hopunion LLC's ambitious project was not just a success, but a game-changer.
Zythos hops are a blend of several hop varieties, each contributing its unique note to the overall melody. They're like the virtuosos of the hop world, each component adding a unique flavor, creating a harmony that's music to your taste buds. The precise blend of hop varieties used to create Zythos is a well-kept secret, akin to the recipe for your grandma's legendary apple pie. However, it's known that the blend is inspired by the American hop varieties, which are renowned for their bold, fruity, and citrusy flavors.
Consider it like a jazz band where each musician plays a different instrument, contributing to the overall sound. The drummer might be the Amarillo hop, known for its orange citrus notes. The bassist could be the Simcoe hop, adding a touch of earthy pine. The saxophonist might be the Citra hop, contributing a melody of tropical fruit flavors. And the trumpeter could be the Mosaic hop, adding a burst of berry and floral notes. Each hop variety in the Zythos blend plays its part, contributing its unique flavor and aroma. Together, they create a harmony that's complex and intriguing, much like the music of a jazz band.
The flavor profile of Zythos hops is a delightful medley of tropical fruits, citrus, pine, and spice. It's like a tropical vacation in your mouth, with each sip revealing a new layer of complexity. The alpha acid content of Zythos hops ranges from 10% to 12.5%, while the beta acid content is between 4.7% and 5.2%. The co-humulone profile is around 36%. What does this mean for you, the beer lover? It means that Zythos hops are versatile, capable of adding both bitterness and aroma to your brew.
When we say tropical fruits, we're talking about the sweet, juicy notes of mango, pineapple, and passionfruit. These flavors are a result of the hop's unique blend, which includes varieties known for their fruity characteristics. The citrus element comes from the hop's high alpha acid content, which imparts a tangy, zesty quality to the beer. The pine notes are a nod to the hop's origins, adding a depth and earthiness to the beer, grounding the tropical and citrus flavors. Finally, the spice. This is where the beta acids come into play, adding a hint of peppery, herbal complexity to the mix.
Some notable beers that feature Zythos hops include the Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA and the Widmer Brothers' Rotator IPA series. These beers showcase the versatility and unique flavor profile of Zythos hops, making them a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts. Whether you're sipping on an American Pale Ale or a robust India Pale Ale, there's a good chance Zythos hops are playing a starring role.
Given the unique flavor profile of Zythos hops, they lend themselves beautifully to a variety of beer styles. Here are a few suggestions for beer types that would be best suited for these hops:
1. **American Pale Ale (APA)**: The fruity and citrusy notes of Zythos hops would complement the balanced malt and hop flavors of an APA. The pine and spice undertones would add an interesting depth to this classic beer style.
2. **India Pale Ale (IPA)**: The high alpha acid content of Zythos hops makes them a great choice for IPAs, which are known for their strong hop character. The tropical and citrus flavors would add a refreshing twist to the traditional IPA bitterness.
3. **American Amber Ale**: The caramel and malty sweetness of an American Amber Ale would be beautifully balanced by the citrusy bitterness and piney undertones of Zythos hops. The spice notes would add an extra layer of complexity to this rich, full-bodied beer.
4. **Fruit Beer**: Given the tropical fruit notes of Zythos hops, they would be a fantastic addition to a fruit beer. They could enhance the natural fruit flavors and add a refreshing citrusy zing.
5. **Saison**: The peppery, herbal spice notes of Zythos hops would complement the earthy, spicy character of a Saison. The tropical and citrus flavors would add a refreshing, fruity twist to this traditional Belgian style.
Remember, the beauty of brewing is in experimentation. Don't be afraid to play around with Zythos hops in different beer styles. You might just create the next big thing in the craft beer world!