Get to Know El Dorado Hops In Beer – The Burst of Flavour, Its Substitutes and the Styles It Complements!
If you’re in for a lively spirit that offers both boldness and candour to your brew, the El Dorado Hops are your treasure. Named after the legendary city of gold, this hop brings gilded balance, an extravagant flavour profile, and a unique aroma to your beer. Let’s dive into the colourful world El Dorado hops and find out why Aussie brewers can’t get enough of it!
The Journey of El Dorado Hops from Field to Brew
Introduced by the American Dwarf Hop Association in 2010, the El Dorado hop hails from the heart of Washington’s hop country, Moxee Valley. Designed to be sustainable and productive, it’s a robust cultivar created out of a diverse lineage. It landed on Australian shores, adding a new dimension to the buoyant craft beer scene down under.
Understanding El Dorado Hops Flavour And Characteristics
El Dorado hops showcase their versatility without compromising on the distinctness of their flavour and aroma. The robust profile of this hop variety can elevate a beer from ordinary to extraordinary.
Aroma and Flavour Profile
Known for its incredible fruitiness, the El Dorado hop paints a vibrant image of a tropical paradise with gentle caress of sugary candy-like undertones. You can expect notes of ripe mango, pear, watermelon, and stone fruits like cherries – a fresh, summer garden in a beer glass!
Alpha and Beta Acids
The alpha acids in El Dorado hops typically range between 14.0 to 16.0 %, lending a firm yet balanced bitterness to the brew, while the beta acids sit between 7.0 to 8.0 % allowing for a gentle flavour stability and shelf-life.
Dual-Purpose Nature
El Dorado is indeed a dual-purpose hop – lending exceptional flavour and aroma along with a solid bittering backbone. It is ideal for late kettle additions and post-fermentation dry hopping.
Crafting Beer Styles With El Dorado Hops
From sunny IPAs to tropical Pale Ales, El Dorado hops are perfect for vivacious brews. Looking at Aussie breweries, we find Two Birds Brewing’s ‘El Dorado IPA’ honouring the fruity, juicy facets of the hop. FogHorn Brewhouse’s ‘Young Americans IPA’ blends El Dorado hops with other varieties to create a jubilant brew rich with flavours of the new world.
Where to Buy El Dorado Hops in Australia
Looking for El Dorado hops to enhance your brew? You can find El Dorado 25g Pellet Hops at KegLand . These hop pellets are known for their intense tropical fruit character, delivering bold notes of pineapple, stone fruit, and candy-like sweetness. I
Substitutes For El Dorado Hops
If you can’t get your hands on El Dorado hops, don’t worry! The hop varieties like Amarillo and Citra are respectable alternatives, boasting similar fruit-filled profiles.
Treasure of the Brewing World – El Dorado Hops
With its unique characteristics and unparalleled versatility, the El Dorado hop is a priceless gem in the brewing world. It truly lives up to its golden legend, illuminating the beer industry from the hill of Moxee Valley to the shores of Australia.
Intrigued? Why not hop on a tasting journey! Visit local breweries, experience the tropical breeze in a pint of El Dorado hop-infused ale, or craft your own brew! Let the treasure hunt begin!