Progress is an aroma hop bred at Wye College in England. Originally intended as a Fuggle-like alternative, it showcases a slightly sweeter aroma.
This is a dual-purpose variety that works well as a late kettle, hop back or cask addition in the hoppy English trifecta (bitter, pale and IPA). Its mild flavor pairs nicely with its moderate bittering quality.
Origin and History
Hops Progress is a high-alpha triploid aroma variety that has been developed at Wye College in England. It is produced using a technique that increases genetic contribution from one parent, while maintaining an equal amount from the other.
Higher alpha-acid contents are increasingly important in modern brewing. They enable larger volumes of hops to be processed into extracts, pellets or further downstream products.
Breeders have also sought to produce varieties with increased resin content. This has largely been accomplished through breeding programmes at Wye and Hull in the UK and Oregon State University in the USA.
Breeders have also focused on developing resistant hops to the crop-devastating fungi downy mildew and powdery mildew. Downy mildew is a devastating pest that has wiped out much of Europe’s hop growing areas since its discovery in 1924.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
Slightly sweet and subtly bitter, Hops Progress has pleasant and Fuggle-like floral aromas of grass, dried mint and earth. This hop makes an excellent bittering addition to your late kettle or cask ales.
It is also a good choice for British Bitters and Pale Ales. Its low alpha acid content pairs well with the mild flavor and earthy aroma it imparts to beers of all styles.
Developed at Wye College in 1951 and released for commercial growing in 1964, it is a hybrid of WGV (Whitbread Golding Variety) and O.B.79. It was introduced as a replacement for Fuggle and has a similar, sweet grassy aroma to it with mint and floral notes.
Brewing Uses
There are a few different ways to use hops in brewing. One is to make a beer that’s “hopped.” This involves boiling the wort, which is the liquid byproduct of mashing grains in hot water, to extract bitterness and flavor from hops.
Brewers use different varieties of hops to achieve varying levels of bitterness, aroma, and flavor in their beers. They manipulate the types of hops they add and the length they’re boiled to achieve particular effects.
Aside from adding bitterness, brewers can also rely on the volatile oils in hops to impart desirable aromas and flavors. These aromas can include citrus, pine, melon, resin, and even earthiness.
Pairing of $ prompt with different beer styles
As the name suggests, beer is a versatile beverage. It varies in color, taste and alcohol content while also having unique characteristics such as body and aroma.
There are several guiding principles when it comes to pairing food with beer. The main one is balance.
The right balance will result in a more harmonious pairing and will give your guests more palate satisfaction.
The key to successful pairings is getting to know the beer and its primary attributes such as sweetness, bitterness, intensity, roast or yeast-derived fruitiness and spiciness, as well as the corresponding food qualities such as acidity, saltiness, fat, spices, chilli heat and serving temperature.
Availability and Cultivation
Hops Progress is available as rhizomes or plants from a local nursery. Nurseries usually charge up front for a guaranteed quantity and quality of the plants they provide, which can be a financial investment.
Several factors will affect your hops cultivation, including soil testing, water and fertilization needs. It is recommended to have your soil analyzed by a reputable soil laboratory before planting to determine any needed nutritional amendments.
It is important to keep the hops root systems well drained in order to allow for maximum growth. Various methods can be used to properly drain the hops field, including drainage tiles, grass waterways and raised plant beds. Irrigation is also an essential part of hops production. It is important to have your irrigation system tested before installation so you can ensure your crop has adequate water supply and discharge volume.