Northern Brewer
Hop Variety Characteristics and Specifications

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Hop Variety Description

Developed in the 1940’s from a cross of Brewers Gold and Canterbury Golding. A truly dual-purpose variety, Northern Brewer has excellent bittering properties and gives a pleasant aroma. Northern Brewer is a moderate yielding bittering hop, resistant to Verticillium Wilt but with only average resistance to Downy and Powdery Mildew. It has high acreage in the Hallertau region.

Hop Variety Tech Specs

Alpha Range: 5-9%
Beta Range: 3-5.5%
Cohumulone Range: 27-32%
Total Oil: 10.3-20.1ml/100g
Flavour Intensity: 6

Oil Composition

Myrcene: 30-35%
Humulene: 25-30%
Farsene: <1%

In THe Beer

spice
floral / herbal
woody
spice
floral / herbal
woody

In The Rub

spice
herbal
resinous
spice
herbal
resinous

More Information About Northern Brewer Hop Variety

Introduction to Northern Brewer Hops

Northern Brewer hops are a versatile dual-purpose variety used by brewers around the world. Originally developed in England in the 1940’s, this hop was bred by cross Brewers Gold and Canterbury Golding. It has since been grown and cultivated within Germany.

Aroma and Characteristics of Northern Brewer Hops

Northern Brewer hops provide a balanced aroma of herbal, spicy and resinous notes on the rub, while they show characteristics of wood, herbs and spice within the beer. These characteristics make it suitable for a range of beer styles. While some hops dominate with citrus or fruit, Northern Brewer hops offer a more grounded profile.

Brewing Applications for Northern Brewer Hops

Used in both bittering and aroma additions, Northern Brewer hops are truly versatile. Their alpha acid typically range from 5% to 9%, giving them moderate bittering strength. Although widely used in English and German beers, they are also common in California Commons and darker ales.

Why Brewers Choose Northern Brewer Hops

Northern Brewer hops offer consistency and complexity without overpowering other ingredients. Their unique combination of aromas complements both malt-forward and hop-forward recipes. Moreover, their adaptability helps brewers maintain creative control while achieving balance in the final product.

Pairing and Use in Beer Styles

Northern Brewer hops work well with varieties like Fuggles, East Kent Goldings, and Perle. They are ideal in styles such as brown ale, porter, and steam beers. When used as a bittering hop, they provide a clean base for more aromatic additions.

Conclusion

Northern Brewer hops are a reliable choice for many traditional and modern brews. Their earthy character, brewing flexibility, and balanced bitterness make them a popular choice for brewers seeking depth and stability in their recipes.

Beers and Breweries using Northern Brewer  hops

Thornbridge – Bracia 10% ABV Rich Dark Ale

Bracia is a beautiful dark ale which has been infused with a generous amount of dark and bitter chestnut honey, sourced from the Alpine foothills of North East Italy. It’s velvety, rich and exploding with character; dark fruit, chocolate, liquorice and hazelnuts are at the fore with the honey providing balance to this decadent offering. It finishes with a boozy warmth and is truly a beer to savour.

Ozarks Mountain Brewery – Anchor Steam

This recipe balances malty sweetness with a firm, minty bitterness from Northern Brewer hops, and a touch of floral character from Mittelfrüh and Cascade. It’s brewed using warm fermentation with lager yeast — the hallmark of steam beer.