Citra®
Hop Variety Characteristics and Specifications

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Hop Variety Description

First crossed in 1990 from parentage including Mittelfruh, East Kent Goldings and Tettnang Citra was commercially released in 2007 by the Hop Breeding Company of Yakima. Best used as a late and/or dry hop, tropical fruit flavours abound, typically displaying grapefruit, mango and peach.
Citra hop variety cone image

Hop Variety Tech Specs

Alpha Range: 11-14%
Beta Range: 3-4.5%
Cohumulone Range: 22-24%
Total Oil: 1.5-3.0ml/100g
Flavour Intensity: 9

Oil Composition

Myrcene: 60-70%
Humulene: 7-13%
Farsene: <1%

In THe Beer

tropical fruit
Citrus
stone fruit

In The Rub

tropical fruit
grapefruit
lime

More Information About Citra® Hop Variety

Citra ® Hops

Why Brewers Love Citra Hops

Citra hops have become one of the most sought-after varieties in the world of craft brewing. Known for their bold aroma and expressive taste, they are a popular choice for hop-forward styles. Since their release in 2007 by the Hop Breeding Company, Citra hops have featured a lot in modern IPAs and pale ales.

Citra Hop Aroma Characteristics

On the rub, Citra hops burst with fresh grapefruit, ripe mango, and zesty lime. These tropical and citrus aromas are highly distinctive. As a result, Citra is often used in late kettle additions and dry hopping. Its intense aroma makes it perfect for beers where hop character takes centre stage.

Citra hops provide consistent performance and pair well with other fruity or pine-forward varieties. Brewers rely on them when aiming to create a bright, aromatic profile. Even small quantities can dramatically lift a beer’s aroma.

Citra Hop Taste in Beer

In the finished beer, Citra hops contribute citrus, tropical fruit and stone fruit notes within the brew. Meanwhile, on the rub aromas of grapefruit, mango, and lime can be detected.

This complexity makes Citra suitable for a wide range of styles, including hazy IPAs, session ales and wheat beers. Furthermore, its clean bitterness allows it to shine in single-hop recipes.

Brewing with Citra Hops

Citra hops are versatile and impactful at every stage of the brewing process. Early additions offer gentle bitterness, while late additions maximise aroma and taste. For best results, many brewers use Citra in the whirlpool or for dry hopping.

In summary, the Citra hop delivers a powerful aroma and layered taste. Its vibrant profile has helped shape modern craft beer and continues to define hop-forward brewing.

Beers and Breweries using Citra Hops

Oakham Ales – Citra 4.2%

Light gold in colour, bursting with citrus and tropical hop flavours and sensationally refreshing.

Stewart Brewing – Citra Blonde

Citra Blonde is a refreshing, citrus-packed blonde ale that bursts with the vibrant notes of grapefruit, lemon, and lime, rounded off by subtle tropical and floral aromas.