Often found in German-style lagers and Helles, Spalt Select is a triploid that was bred to produce higher yields and disease resistance. It is a result of crossing Spalt and Hallertau Mittelfruher.
This German aroma hop is similar to Tettnanger and Saaz. It is a prolific variety with a low co-humulone content and is classified among the noble varieties.
Origin and History
Hops Spalt Select, sometimes referred to as German Spalt, was developed in the 1980s by a breeder at the Hull hop research center in Germany. It was bred to replicate the character of the Spalt landrace.
Like Tettnanger and Saaz, this noble variety has low co-humulone content and a more balanced aromatic profile. It can be used in a broad range of beer styles including Pilsner, Lager and German-Style ales.
This hop was also bred to resist the powdery mildew disease, which afflicts many European hop varieties. In the 1930s, it was recognised that powdery mildew was the major cause of disease in many parts of Europe and that breeding programmes to develop hop varieties resistant to this devastating disease were necessary.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
Spalt Select is a dual-purpose hop with balanced alpha acid levels at 4-8%. It is an ideal substitute for Tettnang or Saaz hops.
A traditional German aroma variety from the Hallertau region, this hop has a clean, pleasantly-harmonic bitterness that is suitable for both classic and modern Bavarian-style lagers. Its flavor profile is reminiscent of Spalt, Tettnang and Saaz with spicy and herbal notes.
The aromatic profile of a hop is largely determined by the oils it contains. They include myrcene, caryophyllene, humulene and farnesene. These oils provide a wide range of aroma contributions to brews and help determine the overall flavor and body of the beer.
Brewing Uses
Hops are one of the most essential ingredients in brewing. They contain both alpha acids and oils that bring flavor, aroma and bitterness to beer.
They also impart preservative and anti-fungal properties. There are over 130 different varieties of hops and they vary in their level of both alpha acids and oils.
Spalt Select was bred at the Hull Hop Research Center and has fine aroma and high farnesene content. This variety is also a very fast growing and highly disease-resistant hop.
It is typically used as an aroma hop late in the boil and will give your brew a flowery, fruity and spicy character. It can be paired with other Noble hops like Progress or Talisman for a well balanced beer.
Pairing of $ prompt with different beer styles
When it comes to pairing beer and food, there isn’t one rule that applies to all. It all depends on your tastes, but a general guideline is to pick a style that matches the dish you’re serving.
There are many different beers, and each one has its own color, flavor and mouthfeel. To make a pairing, you need to know the basics of each style and the ingredients that create its distinct flavor profile.
The best way to do that is to taste a variety of beers and food together, and take note of the main flavors, aromas and sensations. This will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect pairing. The most important part is that both the food and the beer are balanced.
Availability and Cultivation
Bred in Germany, Spalt Select is a cross between Hallertau Mittelfruh and Spalt. It retains some of the finer characteristics of both these varieties and is considered a slightly spicier version of Spalt.
Hops Spalt Select are widely grown in the Hallertau region of Bavaria. It is a very popular German aroma hop variety.
Select is a fine choice as an aroma hop for any beer style where noble aromas are desired. Its spicy and floral character imparts a rich, complex, and beautiful quality to any traditional lager, cold-fermented ale, Weissbier, or Belgian style.
The right site, nutrient management, and proper weed control are critical for successful production of this crop. Applying a combination of organic, granular, and drip line fed soluble fertilizers at the appropriate times is a good start. Weeds reduce the available nutrients in soil and compete with the roots for moisture.