Citra Hops are one of the most popular modern brewing hop varieties in the world. They have become a favorite of craft brewers for their intense citrus and tropical fruit flavors.
It overtook Cascade as the most grown hop variety in 2018, and has yet to be dethroned. It is a perfect addition to IPAs and Pale Ales.
Origin and History
Citra hops are one of the most sought-after aroma and flavor hop varieties in the world. Brewing with this rare hop has become increasingly popular among a variety of craft breweries, including Mad Fox and DC Brau.
A Washington state-bred variety, Citra is a high-impact American aroma hop. Its parentage is a blend of Hallertau Mittelfruh, Tettnang (US), Brewers Gold and East Kent Golding.
Released in 2008, Citra has quickly gained popularity for its intense tropical fruit flavors and aromas. Often used in late addition or dry-hopping capacities, this hop lends unmistakable tropical fruit notes of peach, passionfruit, guava, lychee, grapefruit and lime.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
Citra Hops are one of the most sought-after hop varieties in the modern brewing world. They have become a staple in the IPA scene and are used to add a distinct citrus finish to beers.
Incredibly versatile, Citra is a great hop for a variety of brew styles. They have an intense citrus aroma with notes of tropical fruit and melon. They are balanced by a high alpha acid content and contribute a subtle bitterness to the beer.
Citra was developed in Yakima, Washington and is a cross between Hallertauer, American Tettnanger and East Kent Goldings. They are a powerful hop that is highly resistant to mildew and can be used for a wide range of brewing applications from late additions through whirlpool and dry hopping.
Brewing Uses
Citra Hops are a popular choice for brewers looking to add a unique flavor and aroma to their beer. They are known for their strong tropical fruit flavors and have a high alpha acid content.
They are also a great hop for bittering and dry hopping, making them an excellent choice for many brewing styles. They are especially popular in hazy IPAs and session IPAs, as well as pale ales.
The first commercially bottled beer to feature Citra was Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo IPA in 2009. This hop is a dual-purpose hop that can be used for aroma, flavor and bittering throughout the brewing process.
Pairing
Citra hops have quickly become one of the most popular and coveted hop varieties in craft beer. They have a unique flavor profile and a high alpha acid content that makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of different beer styles.
These dual-purpose American hops are a good fit for Pale Ales and IPAs, providing bright fruity notes that will complement the malt in your recipe. They have an aroma of tropical fruits like pineapple and melon, with light floral notes that will balance your brew.
Citra is a popular addition to commercial brewed beers, but it’s also easy to substitute for this hop variety in your own homebrew. You can use Citra lupulin powder during the whirlpool or dry hop additions to get that big flavor and aroma you’re looking for!
Availability and Cultivation
Citra hops are one of the most popular modern brewing hop varieties available. Brewers love the intense citrus aroma and flavor that this hop variety offers, which makes it an excellent choice for late additions or dry hopping when you’re looking to add a tropical finish to your brew.
Citra is a hybrid developed from Hallertau Mittelfr 1/4h, East Kent Golding, and Brewer’s Gold. This combination of genetics created an exciting new hop with a unique aroma and flavor profile.