A new American hop variety developed by Select Botanicals Group and Yakima Chief Ranches, Warrior is primarily a bittering hop with high alpha content, low cohumulone levels and good storage stability.
It has a clean bittering aroma with mild and resinous pine characteristics. It’s subtle citrus and herbal qualities pair well with IPAs and other beer styles.
Origin and History
The hops that go into the Warrior IPA have a long and rich history in the craft beer industry. The brewers at Dogfish Head Brewery have used this hop in many of their IPAs, especially the 60 Minute IPA, but it has also been included in other American pale ales.
Hops were originally cultivated in Europe from the 9th century and are still widely grown in that region today. Archaeological evidence indicates that hops were traded between countries for centuries and it is likely that some of the varieties we know today were originally developed in different regions.
In the early part of the twentieth century, brewers sought improved varieties that could impart higher levels of bitterness and greater shelf-life to beer. This led to a breeding programme that focused on developing varieties with improved alpha acid content, a high level of resistance to the disease downy mildew and increased tolerance to Verticillium wilt.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
A high alpha hop, Warrior(r) can be used to impart mild notes or resin, citurs and herbs into your IPA or Pale Ale recipe. Its incredibly smooth bittering agent makes it a good choice for establishing a base of strong bitterness in your IPA.
A YCR 5 variety, developed by Yakima Chief Ranches, Warrior was selected for its high alpha content, low co-humulone, good storage stability and tolerance to powdery mildew. It is primarily used in brewing for its clean and smooth bittering properties.
With its super high alpha acid and low cohumulone levels, Warrior hops are a must have for any beer style that demands a strong bittering presence. Expect a clean and spicy bittering profile that is often complemented by subtle citrus qualities, lending balance to hoppy American ales as well as lighter, crisper styles.
Brewing Uses
Hops are an important part of the brewing process. They add bitterness, aroma and flavor to beer and act as a natural preservative.
There are many different types of hops and they come from all over the world. Some are primarily used for bittering while others are prized for their flavors and aromas.
Most brewers add hops at the beginning of the boil to give the beer its bitterness and more are added towards the end of the boil for aroma and flavor. There are also methods of adding hops without boiling them at all – called dry hopping.
Pairing of $ prompt with different beer styles
One of the best ways to get your hops on is by pairing craft beer with food. It’s an easy and fun way to try something new, and your guests will love it too.
There are several factors that go into making a good pairing, such as color, flavor, alcohol content, and mouthfeel. The key is choosing the right style of beer to complement the dish.
For example, dark beers are a great match for smoky meats, caramelized onions and soft cheeses. They also pair well with shellfish and chocolate desserts.
Availability and Cultivation
As the craft industry continues to grow, hops are becoming more popular, but brewers are still forced to make tough decisions about which varieties they can afford and which ones they can’t. The price of hops is one of the key factors driving these decisions, and it’s a dynamic that will continue to play out over time.
A proprietary American hop developed by Select Botanicals Group and Yakima Chief Ranches, Warrior(r) is quickly becoming a favorite with US craft breweries. Its smooth bittering properties and citrusy aroma are a welcome addition to hoppy American ales and IPAs.
Warrior is grown in the Yakima Valley, Washington state. It is a medium sized cone hop that produces a high yield in the field. It has a low cohumulone content and good storage stability. It is primarily used for its mild clean bittering qualities, but it also has a distinct piney and citrusy flavor and aroma.