Southern Cross is a triploid hop developed as a bittering hop by New Zealand HortResearch. This variety has excellent essential oils and low co-humulone.
This hop is a very versatile variety with a fruity aroma and a high alpha acid content, it is especially useful for aromatic uses as well. It is a citrus-like hop, with a slight pine note and hints of spicy flavor.
Origin and History
Southern Cross is a New Zealand hop variety that was developed by the HortResearch breeding program. It is a cross between Smooth Cone and the result of a Californian and English Fuggle hop.
This variety has been a mainstay in New Zealand craft brewing since its release in 1994. It has a soft bitterness and features citrus and pine/spice aromas.
Its low cohumulone levels make it a versatile early kettle addition for most styles, and its lemon zest and pine needle aromas are especially welcome in American hoppy beers. It is a great IPA hop, although it is also an excellent addition to any hoppy beer style.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
A variety released in 1994 by the New Zealand HortResearch hop breeding program, Southern Cross is a cross between Smooth Cone and English Fuggle. With low co-humulone, this hop delivers a delicate balance of citrus and spice for late kettle additions.
This non-dwarf varietal of the Whitebine series is a sister to Canterbury and Farnham, offering an aroma of light floral and freshness that pairs well with any style of beer. Alpha acids of 4% to 7% let the distinct aroma come through and give the hops just enough bittering quality.
A Wye College bred from the same lineage as First Gold and Herald, Pilgrim hops offer fantastic bittering and aromatic qualities in any beer. With an alpha acid range of 9% to 13%, Pilgrim provides an excellent base for Bitters and Pale Ales with an aroma of spice, cedar and honey.
Brewing Uses
Southern Cross was bred by Hort Research in New Zealand, as a result of a cross between Smooth Cone and the American and English Fuggle. Released in 1994, it’s a dual-purpose hop with aroma descriptors that include citrus and tropical fruit with hints of lemon zest, lime, pine, and spice.
With excellent essential oils and low cohumulone, Southern Cross delivers a delicate balance of citrus and spice when added at the end of the boil. This is a highly aromatic variety that can be used throughout the brewing process, but tends to work best as a first addition bittering hop.
With an alpha acid range of about 12% to 17%, Herkules provides a powerful bittering quality in German style Ales and Lagers. This hop also has a unique aroma of spicy, pine, and peppery notes that complements its bittering qualities.
Pairing of $ prompt with different beer styles
A dual purpose hop, Southern Cross was bred in New Zealand and is a nod to the country’s pioneering spirit. It is the best known of the three varieties that make up the Kiwi pack, and it is a staple in commercial brewers’ arsenals. Its high alpha acid content makes it a worthy beermaking ingredient and its fruity, floral aroma is a nice addition to the nose of any Pale Ale fan.
It is no secret that beer drinkers are big on alpha acids, and the 12% that Southern Cross provides should be well worth the trip to the farmers market. Using this coveted malt in your brewing rotation is sure to deliver a memorable dram that’s likely to be remembered for years to come.
Availability and Cultivation
Southern Cross is a triploid hop and originated from a breeding program in New Zealand. Released in 1994, this hop is a cross between Smoothcone “Cali” and Fuggle.
It has a high alpha acid range and citrus and tropical fruit aroma descriptors. It also has a low cohumulone level and delivers a delicate balance of citrus and spice when added toward the end of the boil.
Southern Cross was developed in New Zealand and is a dual-purpose hop that can be used as both bittering and aroma. Its lemon zest and pine needle essence make it a reliable mainstay for the Brewpub market. It is most often selected as a first addition bittering hop for Pale Ales and IPAs. It can be used for a variety of other beer styles as well.