Exploring the Marvel: Azacca Hops in Beer – Flavour, Substitutes & Styles
For a beer aficionado, there’s nothing quite like that first sip of a pint that lures you in with its unique aroma and flavour. In the world of hops – an integral part of beer brewing – one variety that has become increasingly popular in recent years is Azacca. Despite its relative youth, it has etched its place in the brewing industry for its distinct flavour and versatility. So, let’s take a deep dive into the world of Azacca hops and understand what it brings to your beer.
The Story of Azacca Hops
Azacca hops were named after the Haitian God of agriculture – reflecting its promising contributions to the brewing environment. It was first developed by the American Dwarf Hop Association and is actually quite young in comparison to other hop varieties, having been introduced to the beer-making world only in 2014. With predominantly American lineage, Azacca has gained substantial recognition within a short span, infiltrating not just American brews but also Australian breweries. Its notable progeny from a mixture of Toyomidori, an early Japanese variety, and an unknown USA male, gives Azacca hops a unique lineage that is reflected in its distinct characteristics.
The Flavour and Characteristics of Azacca Hops
Azacca hops are distinguished by a predominantly citric characteristic laced with hints of tropical fruits. This hop indeed captures something of the essence of a tropical paradise with its strong notes of mango, tangerine, and pineapple, backed up by some spicy, piney, and grassy undercurrents. This tropical character makes it a very popular hop for Australian brewers who look for such vibrant, fruit-forward profiles.
If we delve into the specifics a bit more, Azacca hops possess an alpha acids content in the range of 14 – 16%, depicting its potential for substantial bitterness. However, its beta acids stay relatively moderate, ranging from 4-5.5%, suggesting also a complimentary aromatic quality. This gives Azacca its dual-purpose nature, fitting elegantly into beer at any stage, whether it’s for bittering, aroma, or dry additions.
Azacca Hops in Beer Styles
Talking about beer styles where Azacca hops are befitting, it has earned its place in multiple beer styles owing to its tropical and citrusy profile. It tends to shine best in American-style ales, IPA’s and wheat beers. Some well-known examples from Australian breweries include otherside’s “Azacca IPA,” which beautifully features the tropical fruitiness and piney depth of this hop.
Adding Azacca hops to these popular styles opens up a door to an intense and refreshing fruitiness that sets the beers apart from others. However, it’s important to remember that Azacca can be quite assertive, so for those brewers or beer lovers who don’t particularly enjoy overt tropicality, it might be more judicious to use Azacca as a part of a hop blend or alongside a more traditional hop variety.
Where to Buy Azacca Hops in Australia
If you’re after Azacca hops for your next brew, check out Azacca 25g Pellet Hops at KegLand. These hop pellets are packed with vibrant tropical fruit and citrus flavours, making them a great choice for IPAs and pale ales. Get your hands on a pack today and bring bold, juicy aromas to your homebrew!
Substitutes for Azacca Hops
While the uniqueness of Azacca hops is irreplaceable, there are some other hop varieties with a somewhat similar profile. Substitutes like Citra or Amarillo hops, with their citrusy and tropical notes, or the Australian Galaxy hops with their strong passionfruit overtones backed by citrus and grassy elements, can lend a somewhat similar profile to your brew.
Wrapping Up
Azacca hops are one way to treat your palate with that refreshing tropical taste and aroma. Their growing popularity in Australia and around the world can be credited to their unique profile and versatility in brewing applications. But let’s remember, beer is as much a personal preference as it is an industry, and choosing the right hop entirely depends on your taste buds!
So, why not pay a visit to your local brewery or perhaps brew your own beer with different types of hops? Who knows, you might just find your new favourite amongst the myriad possibilities of the brewing world! Happy tasting!
