Cracking the Magnum Hop Code: A Dive into Flavours, Substitutes and Best Styles
There’s something excitingly magnetic about beers brewed with Magnum Hops. Whether you already have a background in brewing or you’re new to the hops game, Magnum hops have undoubtedly caught your attention. Let’s delve into the historical significance, defining characteristics and the unique charm that makes the Magnum Hop stand tall in the world of brewing, particularly in Australia.
Hop History: Where the Magnum Hop comes From
Developed and released by the German Hop Institute in Hüll in 1980, the Magnum Hop is a high alpha variety borne out of a cross between Galena, an American parent, and a German male. Designed specifically for brewing lagers, Magnum rapidly attained popularity, migrating from the German borders to capture the interest of brewers worldwide, including those here in Australia.
Primarily cultivated in Hallertau and Yakima Valley regions, this high alpha acid hop is a favourite for its clean bitterness and a very light and subtle hint of citrus.
Magnum Hops: Flavour, Aroma and Characteristics
Alas, we’re at the crux of it all – the deliciously defining taste and traits of Magnum Hops. With an Alpha Acid content between 12-16% and Beta acids of 4.5-7%, Magnum is highly regarded for its mild flavour profile and strong bittering capabilities. While Magnum predominantly serves as a bittering hop, it showcases a delicate aroma profile when added in the late boil, thereby marking its dual-purpose nature.
The captivating Magnum hallmark comes as a clean bitterness with a subtle undertone of citrus and spice. Though its spiciness is much milder than that of its nobler relatives like Hallertau, it balances the high bittering qualities, making it a favourite among brewers.
Magnum Hops in Various Beer Styles
Magnum boasts a versatile profile that fits well into several beer styles. You can commonly find these champions in German Lagers, Belgian Ales, American IPAs, Stouts, and Barley Wines.
In the land Down Under, Australian breweries like the award-winning Stone & Wood Brewing and Balter Brewing Co. often feature Magnum hops in their IPAs and Pale Ales which they brew to satiate Australia’s drinking culture fond towards hops and bitterness. For instance, Stone & Wood Brewing’s Cloud Catcher with its extravagant Magnum foundation or Balter Brewing’s Strong Pale Ale with Magnum’s assertive bitterness and subtle spicy finish, are true blue examples of Magnum’s prevalence in Australian brewing.
Where to Buy Magnum Hops in Australia
Looking for Magnum hops to add clean bitterness to your brew? You can find Magnum 25g Pellet Hops at KegLand. These high-alpha hop pellets provide a smooth, neutral bitterness with subtle herbal and floral notes, making them perfect for lagers, pale ales, and IPAs. Grab a pack today and give your homebrew a balanced, refined hop profile.
Seeking Substitutes for Magnum Hops
Might you be seeking a substitute for Magnum Hops? Though it’s a challenge to perfectly reproduce the distinct charm of Magnum hops, the closest substitutes include Horizon and Nugget, both featuring strong alpha acids, clean bitterness, and subtle flavours. In addition, Northern Brewer hops, with its mild aroma and high bittering value, can serve as a substitute in the brewing process, particularly for lagers.
Wrapping it Up: The Charm of Magnum Hops
So, there we have it: the annals of the famed Magnum Hops, a gem that adds a unique flair to your beer. From its clean bittering capabilities to its lightly detectable citrus-spice flavour, this hop variety resonates with brewing maestros and beer lovers alike. Until you’ve tasted a brew crafted with the Magnum magic, your beer adventure remains thrillingly incomplete.
Curious about this star hop? Why not visit a local Australian brewery or better yet, brew your own Magnum-infused beer as you set off on a delightful exploration of flavours and styles. With each sip of a Magnum beer, you’re indulging in a bit of brewing history and savouring a flavour profile that is loved worldwide. Hoppy brewing!
