The Year Of The Ornamental Hop
As we look back on 2022, it's clear that the world of craft beer continues to evolve and innovate. From classic hop varieties to newer hybrids, the top-selling hops of the year reflect the diverse range of flavors and aromas that craft brewers are looking for in their beers. Here are the top five bestselling hop varieties of 2022:
- Golden Tassels
- Cascade
- Centennial
- Fuggle
- Prima Donna
Golden Tassels Hops: Golden Tassels is a newer hop variety that was released in 2003. It's a hybrid hop that was created by crossing two classic varieties, Cascade and Hallertau Mittelfrüh. Golden Tassels is not only known for its unique aroma and flavor profile, but with its striking golden foliage it makes an good backdrop to borders, features well on trellis and pergolas. Golden Tassels produces decorative, golden foliage throughout the season and dainty flowers in July. An abundance of splendid traditional hop cones are then borne in the late summer and autumn. These turn an attractive golden-bronze colour in the autumn and are not only popular when dried for rustic interior decoration.
Cascade Hops: Cascade hops remain a staple in the craft beer industry and were among the top-selling hop varieties of 2022. These hops have been around since the 1970s and are known for their floral, spicy, and citrusy aroma. Cascade hops are often used in pale ales and IPAs, and their reliable flavor profile makes them a favorite among brewers.
Centennial Hops: Centennial hops continue to be a favorite among craft brewers in 2022, thanks to their versatility and balance of flavors. These hops were first bred in 1974 and are known for their citrusy aroma, with hints of floral and spicy notes. Centennial hops were used in a variety of popular beer styles, including IPAs, pale ales, and stouts.
Fuggle Hops: Fuggle hops have been around since the late 1800s and are a classic English hop variety. They are known for their earthy, woody, and spicy aroma and are often used in traditional English-style ales. In 2022, Fuggle hops experienced a surge in popularity among craft brewers who were looking to create more classic, traditional beer styles.
Prima Donna Hops: Prima Donna hops are a newer variety, They are a high-alpha hop that's known for its spicy, herbal, and floral notes. Prima Donna hops were among the top-selling hop varieties of 2022, with brewers using them in a variety of beer styles, from IPAs to lagers. Their unique flavor profile and high alpha acid content make them a popular choice for brewers who are looking to create bold, hop-forward beers.
In conclusion, the top-selling hop varieties of 2022 reflect the diverse range of flavors and aromas that craft brewers are looking for in their beers. From classic varieties like Centennial and Cascade to newer hybrids like Golden Tassels and Prima Donna, it's clear that the craft beer industry is always pushing the boundaries and creating new and exciting beer styles. As we look ahead to 2023, it will be interesting to see which hop varieties continue to dominate the industry and which new varieties will emerge as fan favorites.