Have you ever found yourself scratching your head at the plethora of advanced hop varieties available in today's craft beer market? Terms like Phantasm, Cryo, and Incognito can leave even the most seasoned beer enthusiast feeling a bit lost. But fear not, you're not alone in this hoppy haze. Once upon a time, hops were a straightforward affair, with whole cones, dried cones, and pellets reigning supreme. However, the landscape began to shift in the 60s and 70s with the introduction of bittering extracts, and by the end of the 20th century, specific hop varietals began to emerge. But it wasn't until recently that we saw a true explosion of new hop products, thanks to advancements in technology and a demand for more flavorful brews.
From hop liquids to terpenes, thiol precursor powders to cryogenically-split pellets, the options are endless. These new products all share a common goal: to enhance flavor and consistency while streamlining the brewing process. With names like Subzero and Flex, it's easy to see why these products could easily double as WWE wrestler aliases. But what do they actually do, and how are they shaping the future of beer?
To shed some light on this hoppy revolution, we turned to two experts in the field: Nick Calder-Scholes, head brewer at One Drop, and Mark Howes, co-founder of Working Title. Both brewers are no strangers to pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing, and they shared their insights on the impact of these advanced hop products on the industry.
For Mark, the current influx of new brewing ingredients is nothing short of exhilarating. With a background in microbiology, he's fascinated by the science behind these products and the endless possibilities they present. "The more we learn about hop compounds and their interactions, the more we can experiment and innovate," Mark explains. At Working Title, they are constantly exploring new flavors and techniques, using advanced hop varieties to create unique and exciting brews.
Nick, on the other hand, is known for his bold and unconventional approach to brewing. From rainbow sherbet sours to Terminator-themed IPAs, he's always on the lookout for the next big thing in brewing. For him, experimenting with new hop products is a way to push the boundaries of traditional brewing and create beers that stand out in a crowded market. His enthusiasm for innovation is infectious, and his dedication to pushing the limits of what beer can be is evident in every brew he creates.
So, what does this mean for the average beer drinker? Well, it means more options, more flavors, and more excitement in every pint. With advanced hop varieties leading the charge, the future of beer is looking brighter and bolder than ever before. So, the next time you see a can boasting Incognito® HBC 472 and Lupomax® Idaho 7, don't be intimidated – embrace the hoppy revolution and savor every sip of innovation.