Summit hops, a powerful and robust hop variety, have been making waves in the craft beer world with their intense aroma and flavour profile. Developed in the United States, Summit hops have quickly gained popularity among brewers for their unique characteristics and versatility. With their high alpha acid content and bold citrus and tropical fruit flavours, Summit hops are a sought-after choice for those looking to create beers with a truly striking and intense hop presence. In this blog post, we will embark on a journey to explore the captivating world of Summit hops, delving into their origins, characteristics, brewing applications, and the exhilarating heights they bring to the craft beer landscape.
Origins and Development
Summit hops were developed by the American Dwarf Hop Association (ADHA) and released in 2003. They are a cross between several hop varieties, including Zeus, Nugget, and an undisclosed male hop. The aim was to create a hop with exceptional alpha acid content and a unique flavour profile. The result was Summit, a hop variety that has made a significant impact on the brewing industry.
Characteristics of Summit Hops
Summit hops are celebrated for their bold and expressive aroma and flavour profile. Let’s explore the defining characteristics of Summit:
Aroma Profile
Summit hops exude an intense and pungent aroma with pronounced citrus and tropical fruit notes. Expect to find vibrant grapefruit, tangerine, and orange scents, which contribute to the hop’s striking and exhilarating character. These bold aromas make Summit a standout choice for brewers seeking to create hop-forward and aromatic beers.
Alpha Acids and Bitterness
Summit hops are a high-alpha hop variety, boasting one of the highest alpha acid contents among commercially available hops. This makes them particularly well-suited for bittering additions in the boil, allowing brewers to achieve substantial bitterness and hop intensity in their beers.
Resinous and Dank
In addition to their citrus and tropical fruit attributes, Summit hops also offer a resinous and dank quality. These characteristics are often described as “catty” or “diesel-like,” adding a unique and captivating dimension to the hop’s flavour profile.
Brewing Applications
Summit hops offer a range of brewing applications, adding a punch of intensity to various beer styles. Here are some ways Summit hops can be used in brewing:
Bittering Hops
Due to their high alpha acid content, Summit hops excel as bittering hops. Adding Summit early in the boil allows brewers to achieve a bold and assertive bitterness in their beers.
Flavour and Aroma Hops
While known for their bitterness, Summit hops can also be used for flavour and aroma additions. Late boil additions or whirlpooling with Summit can showcase the hop’s vibrant citrus and tropical fruit flavours, enhancing the beer’s hop character.
American-Style Ales
Summit hops are particularly well-suited for brewing American-style ales, such as American IPAs and Double IPAs. Their intense hop profile complements the bold malt backbone often found in these styles, resulting in a truly exhilarating hop experience.
Hops in detail…
Conclusion
Summit hops stand as a testament to the heights of hop intensity that can be achieved in craft brewing. With their bold citrus and tropical fruit flavours, high alpha acid content, and resinous dankness, Summit hops have made an indelible mark on the world of craft beer. Embrace the power and intensity of Summit hops in your brewing endeavours, and revel in the exhilarating and unforgettable experience they bring to your glass. Cheers to scaling new heights of hop intensity with Summit hops!
