Hops are one of the core ingredients in beer. Originally used for bittering and for their anti-bacterial properties – essential in pre-refrigeration times – they also lend lots of aroma and flavour to beer. Hops can contribute all sort of aromas and flavours, from black pepper to peach, woody and minty to granadilla, pineapple and pine trees.
Much like with terroir in the winemaking world, the aromas and flavours of hops vary
greatly depending on their region of origin, with the old-world hops of Germany, Czech
Republic and the UK giving off more subtle earthy and spicy notes, while new-world hops –from the USA, Australia and New Zealand – tend to punch you in the face with big aromas of tropical and citrus fruit, as well as dank notes of pine forest floor and cannabis.
Hops are also cultivated on a small scale here in South Africa, in the Outeniqua Mountains between George and Oudtshoorn. And since the annual hop harvest takes place in late February and early March, I thought it would be a great time to highlight a few hop-forward beers. Here are six locally brewed beers showcasing hops from around the world.
Jack Black Cape Pale Ale (4% ABV)
This low-carb pale ale features a blend of South African and American hops to create a crisp beer perfect for hot summer’s days.
Newlands Spring Passionate Blond (5.5% ABV)
This award-winning blonde ale is brewed with only Southern Passion hops, cultivated in
South Africa.
Shackleton Brewing Co. NY Slice XPA (4.2% ABV)
This crisp and refreshing XPA (Extra Pale Ale) is light in malt but heavy on the hops –
specifically Idaho 7, a citrussy hop from the USA.
Soul Barrel Cape Cone (4% ABV)
A session IPA brewed using only South African hops – five different varieties in total, all
grown in the Outeniqua Valley.
That Brewing Company That Alpha Hopper Sabro IPA(5.8% ABV)
Part of the Durban-based brewery’s single-hop IPA series, this beer is hopped solely with
Sabro, an American hop with notes of coconut and pineapple.
Afro Caribbean Brewing Co. Crack of Shawn (5.5% ABV)
The simple malt bill of this pale ale is designed to let the blend of American and New
Zealand hops really shine.
