Styrian Goldings are a prized aroma hop and exhibit resinous, earthy flavours. Often used as late boil additions, this hop has a spice with an earthy/sweet edge that pairs well with a wide variety of beer styles.
Originating from UK Fuggle, Styrian Goldings have a noble flavor with pleasant bittering. These hops can be used in a variety of styles, with English ales being the most common use.
Origin and History
Styrian Goldings (Savinja Golding, Savinjski Golding, Celeia) is a highly prized aroma hop that originated from the UK Fuggle variety and is known for its earthy flavors. It is often used in late boil additions and dry hopping.
The hop is widely grown in Slovenia, where it has long been a favorite of traditional ale brewers, and is also farmed in Hungry and Austria. This Slovenian variety, which is actually a Fuggle derivative, has become a popular alternative to English hops such as Golding and East Kent Golding for both bittering and noble aroma characteristics.
The earliest hop cultivation dates back to the ninth century, when Abbot Adalhard of Corbie wrote statutes suggesting that a monastery in the Swiss Alps was using them for brewing beer. Today, about three-quarters of the world’s annual hop crop is derived from Fuggle and Golding.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
A delicate hop, Hops Styrian Goldings exhibits a soft, slightly spicy, herbal aroma. It is a good choice for brewers of classic European styles, light lagers, and lighter beer styles.
It can also be used for bittering duty, as well as adding some aromatics in late boil additions. Like its Slovenian cousins, it imparts a pleasant earthy, resinous flavor.
The story behind this variety is a bit funny and a little sour: It was imported from England in the 1930’s and was thought to be a Golding, but it actually came from a clone of UK Fuggle. It has since acclimated to its new home and has developed a more delicate, “continental” profile than English-grown Fuggle hops.
It is a prized aroma hop, and exhibits resinous, earthy flavors that are considered slightly more refined than Fuggle. It is typically used in late boil additions, including dry hopping.
Brewing Uses
Styrian Golding, also known as Savinja Golding or Sannthaler, is an aroma hop that grows primarily in Slovenia. It is actually a descendant of the English hop variety Fuggle and was introduced to the area in the 1930s when disease hit the German-derived hops in Styria (Austria).
It is one of the most widely used aroma varieties, used for late boil additions and dry hopping. It adds a delicate, spicy hop aroma with notes of earth and resin to a wide range of beer styles.
It is a low alpha variety, with moderate bittering potential. It is a good choice for European lagers, as well as pale ales, Belgian beers and ESBs.
Pairing of $ prompt with different beer styles
There are many different beer styles out there, each with their own unique flavors. It takes time and practice to discover what works for you.
Then comes the question of pairing them with food to get the best possible flavor experience. The rules are simple: contrast, complement, cleanse and avoid overpowering flavors.
There are a number of hops that pair well with Styrian Goldings, including East Kent Goldings, Northern Brewer, Challenger and Aurora (also known as Super Styrian or Styrian Celeia). Other Slovenian varieties include Styrian Fox and Syrian Gold, both of which share the spicy and herbal character of their Styrian ancestors.
Availability and Cultivation
A descendant of UK Fuggle, Styrian Golding has a delicate perfumey aroma with hints of lemon and lime. It is a popular variety in both continental lagers and less malty English ales.
It can be grown in mild, moist climates. Grown commercially, this hop requires more care than other varieties and can be susceptible to many diseases.
East Kent Goldings have long been celebrated, held up as one of the quintessential English hop varieties. Terroir (the natural environment) plays a huge part in making East Kent Goldings unique and higher prized than other Golding varieties.
This low alpha aroma hop is a great late kettle addition to a variety of beers. It can also be used for dry hopping. Alpha acid levels can vary throughout the crop year.