Fuggle Hops (also known as Styrian Goldings) are one of the classic aroma-type hops in England. At one time, 78% of all hops crops in the UK were grown as Fuggle.
Fuggle is renowned for its delicate, grassy and floral tones. It is a very versatile aroma hop and works well with all beer styles including bitter, ESB, pale ale, stout etc.
Origin and History
Fuggle Hops are a classic English variety that has a long history of use in beer. Selected as a chance seedling back in 1861, Fuggle quickly became one of the dominant forces in England’s hop acreage.
As a classic English aroma hop, Fuggle produces a delicate bouquet of mint, grassy earth, light wood and floral notes when used as a bittering hop. It once filled the role of both a bittering and aroma hop, but with the rise of higher alpha acid it has become known more as an aroma variety.
Several theories have been put forth to explain the origin of Fuggle. Among the most interesting are those done by Kim Cook on family records around Horsmonden and Benchley (villages in Kent) and Martyn Cornell’s research on the hop’s genetic predecessors.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
Fuggle Hops have a delicate, minty, grassy and slightly floral aroma that adds a pleasant herbal earthiness to ales. They are a classic aroma hop and are most often used in conjunction with Goldings to help create a full, balanced beer.
They are also an excellent choice for dry hopping and as the main copper hop in pale, fruity and hoppy beers. They are especially well suited to English styles like bitters, light ales and porters, as their subtle, yet strong aroma contributes an important characteristic of these types of beers.
This hop variety was originally one of the most widely cultivated in England, but production has been greatly reduced by verticillium wilt, and it is now grown primarily as a specialty hop for smaller brewers and traditional craft brewers. It remains a highly regarded hop in the UK and around the world and is a very popular addition to many craft beers.
Brewing Uses
Fuggle Hops are a classic aroma variety used in many beer styles. They impart notes of mild, wood, grass, and mint. They may be used for bittering and aromatics in both late boil additions and dry hopping.
In the UK, Fuggle is commonly used in English ales and IPAs. It is also an excellent addition to lagers and German-style beers.
It was one of England’s two main aroma hops until verticillium wilt destroyed the British hop industry in the 1940’s. It has since been replaced by agronomically superior cultivars with similar flavor and aroma profiles.
Pairing
One of the more popular hops in England, Fuggle is known as an aroma-type cultivar. It was selected as a chance seedling in 1861 and accounted for 78% of the country’s hop acreage in 1949.
Often considered to be the classic English hop, Fuggle works well in a variety of beer styles. It is especially favored in darker beers, such as porters and stouts.
Successful pairing relies on understanding the basic flavors, aromas and mouthfeel sensations of both the beer and food. Then, figuring out what elements of each flavor may complement or clash with one another.
Availability and Cultivation
Fuggle hops are a traditional aroma hop from England. This earthy, herbal, and woody hop was once the predominant hop variety in England until high alpha acid varieties were introduced.
In recent years production of English Fuggle has decreased due to the fungal disease Verticillium wilt. However, it still remains a popular aroma and late addition hop among traditional brewers.
Fuggle is related to Golding and is a low-yielding aroma variety with moderate alpha acid content. It is suited to British-style ales, porters and stouts as well as American pale ales and brown ales.