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Ingredients / Recipes

HOPS TO EXPLORE

By:Gareth Davies
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Hops
MASHED ISSUE 24

Fuggles (UK)

Perhaps the most storied of all traditional English aroma hops, Fuggles carries with it a legacy that dates back to the 19th century. Legend has it that Mr. Fuggle, a grower in the Kentish village of Brenchley, first selected the variety as a seedling in 1861 - a quiet beginning for what would become a titan of British brewing.

For over 70 years, Fuggles reigned supreme as the backbone of English ales, its subtle charm present through countless pints poured in public houses across the country. Though the rise of high-alpha hops would eventually relegate it from bittering duty, its stature as an aroma hop has never truly faded.

With its delicate bouquet - think minty overtones, grassy freshness, and a hint of wildflower - Fuggles brings a clean, rounded character to beers. It’s especially popular in traditional ales where its nuanced personality truly shines. Pair it with Goldings, and you’ve got the classic combination that helped earn English bitters their world-renowned depth and elegance. 

Aroma: Spice, Woody, Floral

Alpha Range: 4-7% | Beta Range: 4-7%

Total Oil: 0.7-10.1ml/100g

Challenger (UK)

First cultivated at Wye College in 1972, this hop variety carries a proud brewing pedigree - its lineage born through two trial strains, with Northern Brewer as its grandmother and Northdown as its well-known aunt. Quite the family tree for a hop, and one that sets the stage for an exceptional all-rounder.

Respected for its versatility, this hop shines in both bittering and aroma roles. In the brew kettle, it delivers a refreshing, full-bodied bitterness - rounded and balanced, the perfect foundation for layers of flavour to build upon. But it’s in the late additions where it truly dazzles: a crisp, fruity burst that lifts bitters and pale ales with a bright, polished finish.

Aroma: Spice, Woody, Floral

Alpha Acids: 5 - 9% | Beta Acids: 3.2-4.2%

Total Oil: 1.0-1.5ml/100g

Goldings (UK)

Goldings hops are woven into the very fabric of English brewing tradition, cultivated on home soil for more than a century. Named for the first grower to develop them - a Mr Goldings from Kent, Goldings has grown into a proud family of clones including Early Bird, Cobbs, Eastwell, Canterbury Whitebine, and Mathon. Prized for its smooth, sweet, and delicately spicy profile. There’s a soft floral note on the nose, often with hints of honey, fresh herbs, or orange blossom. When it comes to the final flourish, this is the hop - Goldings are the definitive finishing touch for British Bitters, Pale Ales, and classic IPAs, adding that gentle, refined character that turns a good pint into an unforgettable one.

Aroma: Spice, Woody, Floral

Alpha Range: 5-8% | Beta Range: 5-8%

Total Oil: 0.4-0.8ml/100g

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