Galaxy hops are one of the most popular hops in the craft beer industry today. They’re loved for their big passion fruit and citrus flavors and aromas.
Brewing with these Australian hops is an experience like no other. Their high oil content adds a large amount of flavor and aromatics to beer.
Origin and History
Galaxy hops are one of the most widely used hop varieties in the craft brewing industry. They have been praised for their big aromas of passion fruit and clean citrus flavors.
They are a descendant of the German hop Perle and originated in Australia as a result of breeding programs begun by Hop Products of Australia in the 1990s. They have become the most sought-after Australian hop, gaining international recognition for their tropical fruit character that is more intense the later in the hopping process.
Their high alpha acid content makes them excellent for bittering additions, but their essential oil content makes them shine as an aroma and flavor hop. They are especially effective when used late in the boil, whirlpool, or for dry hopping.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
Galaxy Hops are one of the most sought-after and highly acclaimed Australian hop varieties. They originated from a breeding program in the 1990s by Hop Products Australia (HPA) which crossed a female plant known as J78 with Alpha German Perle, a high male variety.
They were released commercially in 2009.
This is an incredibly bright hop with rich, pungent citrus and tropical passion fruit aromas. Their alpha acid range is 13 to 15 percent. They are most commonly used as a late addition or in dry hopping to lend their fullest pungent citrus and tropical passion fruit flavors.
They have one of the highest concentrations of essential oils found in hops, which contribute to their pronounced tropical fruit flavor and aroma. They also have low Humulene and Caryophyllene, resulting in minimal woodiness or spicy flavors.
Brewing Uses
Galaxy is a very versatile hop that can be used for both bittering and flavor. Its strong tropical fruit character makes it a great addition to American pale and IPAs, wheat beer, saison and Brettanomyces-fermented beers.
As a late-boiling, whirlpool or dry-hopping hop, Galaxy imparts a clean citrus and passionfruit character with threads of pineapple. Its high alpha acid content makes it well suited to these hopping techniques, which can also help it balance the malt.
The preeminent Australian hop, Galaxy arose from breeding programs in the 1990s with ancestry that includes German Perle. It is one of the most popular and highly sought-after hops in the world today, and has been a staple in many commercial breweries since 2009.
Pairing
One of the most popular ice cream flavors in Britain, Galaxy flavor is an old favorite. It is made with a creamy vanillia base and large chunks of chocolate.
Aside from being a delicious ice cream flavor, Galaxy hops are also one of the most versatile and widely used hops in the world. Brewers enjoy the intense tropical fruit character of this hop, which is best exhibited when added late in the brewing process.
Food and beer pairing is a complex process, and there are several guiding principles to follow. For starters, the most basic rule is to pair food and beer based on complementing flavors.
Availability and Cultivation
Brewers are always on the hunt for new hop varieties to use in their beer. This is especially true with Southern Hemisphere hops from New Zealand and Australia, as they can bring a wide range of flavors and aromas to a brew.
One of the most popular Southern Hemisphere hops, Galaxy is a dual purpose Australian hop known for its bold peach and citrus aromatics. Its high alpha acid gives it great bittering properties, while its large essential oil content adds flavor and aroma throughout the brewing process.
Commercially available since 2009, Galaxy has become a favorite amongst both Australian and international brewers. It is still one of the most difficult hops to source, so brewers like us often have to contract for years in advance.