Herkules is a high alpha acid bittering hop that was released in 2005 by the Hull Hop Research Center. It imparts robust hoppy flavours and bittering quality in brews.
It is a descendant of Hallertau Taurus and Hull, and was developed for resistance to disease. Herkules is known for its spicy and floral aroma, tangy, hoppy flavor, and hints of citrus and melon.
Origin and History
Bred from a cross between Hallertau Taurus and Hull male released in 2005 by the Hull Hop Research Center, Herkules provides a unique aroma of spicy, pine, and peppery notes. It is most commonly used as a bittering agent in brews due to its high alpha acid content.
Herkules is a robust German variety with strong hoppy flavors and a spicy, floral aroma. It is a good choice for IPAs and other single-hopped beer styles.
Herkules is a strong, flavorful and robust hop that imparts notes of pine and black pepper as well as a spicy, floral aroma. Pair it with other bold hops for the ultimate IPA experience.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
Hops Herkules is a Hull-bred offspring of Hallertauer Taurus, a high alpha acid bittering hop with a spicy and floral aroma. It was released for commercial cultivation in 2005 and is used to add bittering qualities to a variety of beers.
This multi-purpose hop offers a light floral aroma that can bring a distinctive English profile to brews like IPAs and APAs. Its oil balance and medium alpha acid content make it a versatile addition to Pale Ales and Lagers.
Brewing Uses
Herkules, bred at the Hop Research Institute in Hull, is a powerful, high alpha bittering hop with floral, citrus and melon characteristics. It is used mainly in German-style lagers and ales, imparting a robust flavor and aroma.
Herkules has a low cohumulone content similar to other noble varieties, and can be utilized in all stages of brewing. It is moderately tolerant to Peronospora, mildew and botrytis and is not susceptible to Verticillium wilt.
Herkules is also a good choice for early hopping as it has relatively low oil content. When used at the beginning of boiling, however, a weak hop aroma can come to the fore. This is often referred to as “kettle hop flavour” and can be more noticeable when using Polaris, which has a much higher oil content.
Pairing of $ prompt with different beer styles
When it comes to brewing, a good hop can enhance your craft beer with flavors and aromas that complement your malt. If you’re looking for a high alpha hop that can produce a well-balanced beer with the requisite bittering characteristics, look no further than Herkules. Its hefty yield and tolerance to downy mildew make it an ideal candidate for any commercial brewer’s garden.
Herkules was bred at the Hop Research Center in Hull, Germany and it is probably no surprise that this German made hop has a storied name. As with any new variety, it took a few years for Herkules to gain recognition as the best bittering hop on the planet and it remains the most popular among brewers today. The best way to learn all about Herkules is to mosey on over to your nearest craft brewery to sample its wonders for yourself!
Availability and Cultivation
Hops (Humulus lupulus) are climbing, herbaceous and perennial plants belonging to the Cannabaceae family. They are dioecious plants, producing male and female flowers on separate plants.
They are a very important raw material for the brewing industry, adding bitterness, aroma and microbiological stability to beer. Depending on the variety and the quantity of hops used, they can have a different aroma and flavor profile.
Herkules is a newer hop variety, bred by the Hull Hop Research Center in 2005. It imparts robust, hoppy flavours with some citrus and melon characteristics.
Herkules is a relatively recent arrival in the German hop market, and is now cultivated throughout the country in areas suitable for growing hops. The area under cultivation has grown from 43 hectares in 2013 to 174 hectares in 2017.