Calypso Hops: The Ultimate Beer Styles for This Tropical Twist

Reading Time: around 15 min

Jump into the tropical world of brewing, and you’ll quickly stumble upon a zesty character known as the Calypso hop. This Yakima Valley native is the life of the party in any brew it graces with its presence.

Touting an impressive hop resume that’s both aromatic and bitter.

Think of it as the swiss army knife in your hop arsenal. Its alpha acid content struts around the 12-15% range. Making it a heavyweight in the bittering department. Quietly confident in its behind-the-scenes role of balancing out your pint’s sweet malts.

When Calypso hops burst onto the scene…

…flavor and aroma take center stage.

Imagine a fruit salad dance-off, with apples, pears, and even a twist of tropical fruit and melon shaking their groove thing. If your taste buds crave something more, Calypso doesn’t disappoint.

Throwing in a sharp lime citrus backbeat for that refreshing zing.

These hops are versatile, no doubt, and especially shine in beers where a fruity punch is the guest of honor. Like your aromatic IPAs, hop-forward Pale Ales, or even those robust, dark ales where Calypso can truly belt out its complex citrus tunes.

Key Takeaways

Calypso hops are dual-purpose and boast high alpha acids for bittering plus aromatic fruit flavors.
These hops excel in IPAs and Pale Ales, adding a signature fruity and citrus zing.
Calypso’s versatility allows it to adapt to various beer styles, teasing your taste buds with its complex profile.

Decoding the Calypso Hops

If you’re ready to shake things up in your brewery, let’s swing to the rhythm of Calypso hops. These little beauties are more than just a tropical vacation in a hop pellet. They’re dual-purpose dynamos ready to jazz up your brew.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Dual / Universal
Aromas: Apple, Pear, Lime, Lemon, Tropical, Melon
Notes: Stone Fruits, Tea, Mint, Resinous
Alpha-acids: 12.0% – 16.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 5.0% – 6.0% [bitterness added through maturation]
Cohumulone: 38% – 42% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 1.6 – 2.5 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 30% – 40% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 20% – 35% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 9% – 15% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]

Characteristics: From Alpha to Omega

Calypso hops boast an alpha acid content that swings between 12% to 16%. Bold enough to give your beer that requisite bitter backbone. But don’t let those numbers fool you.

With a relatively modest beta acid level, the alpha-beta ratio is like a well-tuned guitar.

Balanced and smooth.

Alpha Acid: 12-16%
Beta Acid: Not too high, but just right.

This means you can lay down a solid bitterness without overwhelming the other flavors.

Or your taste buds.

Oil Composition: A Flavorful Elixir

When it comes to oil composition, Calypso has the groove. The total oils are crammed with an aromatic profile that’ll make your nose do a happy dance. Think of an exotic fruit basket. Apple, pear, and stone fruit.

With a citrus twist, like a sip of lime in your summer drink.

Oil Breakdown:

Fruity Esters: High
Citrus Notes: Yep, they’re there!
Total Oils: Enough to party.

This is the hop that keeps on giving, and it’ll make sure your beer is not just heard.

But also tasted loud and clear.

The Calypso Connection: Heritage and Cultivation

Straight out of the United States, these hop Founding Fathers are from the famed Hopsteiner lineage. Ensuring that quality runs in the family. Calypso hops are like the cool cousin of the hop world.

They’ve got heritage but know how to fit in with modern brews.

Origin: US of A, baby!
Family: Hopsteiner, so you know it’s legit.

They’re cultivated with that American can-do spirit, yielding a hop that stands tall against the rest. Whether you’re dry hopping, bittering, or just throwing a party in the boil kettle, Calypso won’t let you down.

So, when you’re picking your hops, remember.

Calypso’s the one that brings the flavor, the fun, and the funky beat to your beer.

Fruity Profiles: Exploring the Aromas and Flavors

Get ready to embark on a vibrant flavor adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance! Calypso hops are the life of the beer party. Boasting a spectrum of fruity notes perfect for those with a penchant for punchy profiles.

Tropical Escapade: Mango, Lime & Co.

Imagine yourself lounging on a hammock, the scent of tropical fruit wafting through the air. With Calypso hops, you’re not just daydreaming. You’re sipping that tropical vacation!

Here’s the juicy scoop:

Mango: Front and center with a sweet, lush twist
Lime: A zesty punch that cuts through with a cheeky tang

Capture the essence of the tropics with these vibrant notes.

They blend beautifully in beers that yearn for a tropical touch without the sunburn.

Orchard Bounty: Apples and Pears Galore

You know that crisp, fresh breeze of an orchard in full bloom?

That’s what Calypso brings to your brew. Check out this duo of pomme perfection:

Apple: Bold and sweet, like a bite from Eden’s own garden
Pear: A subtle yet cheeky nudge of sweetness that’s not just playing second fiddle

Together, they sing a harmonious duet in paler beers where their tender whispers of fruitiness highlight Calypso’s versatile charm.

Stone Fruit Saga: Peaches and Plums

Ever had a peach so juicy, you needed a bib? That’s what we’re aiming for:

Peach: Soft, velvety layers with a sugary smile
Plum: The rich cousin who’s just the right amount of sweet and tart

These stone fruit stars make a compelling case for Calypso hops in any brew that dares to flirt with deeper, rounder fruit profiles. They’re not afraid to show off a little in your favorite hoppy concoctions.

The Brewers’ Muse: Beer Styles Suited for Calypso

Grab your brewer’s hat and let’s hop into the world of Calypso, your fruity friend in the hop community. This powerhouse doesn’t just play well with others. It shines, adding a zing to the beer styles you already love.

The Noble IPA: A Citrus Symphony

Picture this: you’re sipping an IPA, but it’s not just any IPA.

It’s your IPA, singing a harmonious citrus medley thanks to Calypso hops. Think tropical fruit meets a touch of earthy bitterness, perfect for that hop-forward kick you crave. Inject a dose of Calypso late in the boil or at dry hopping.

And watch that IPA glow up!

Pale Ales and Golden Ales: The Lighter Side of Bitter

Now, don’t let the “pale” in Pale Ale fool you. With Calypso in your corner, you’re crafting ales that have a subtle bitterness but pack a fruity punch.

And for your Golden Ales? It’s like sunshine in a bottle, with a crisp apple and pear vibe that’ll dance on your tongue.

Stouts and Porters: A Daring Twist

If you thought stouts and porters were just about those malty, chocolaty flavors, think again. Dare to jazz up your dark beer with a bit Calypso’s lively notes. It’s like a fruit basket gatecrashed a chocolate party.

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for the wild ride.

Barleywine and More: For the Bold Brewers

If you’re the kind to not just walk on the wild side but brew on it, then Barleywine is your canvas. Calypso’s high alpha acids bring the boldness without backing down on flavor. Plus, venture into a Wit or another experimental brew and let Calypso take the lead.

It’s never a dull moment with this hop.

Brewing Techniques: Maximizing Calypso’s Impact

Ah, Calypso hops. The aroma punching above its weight class with fruity notes dancing around your beer like nobody’s business. Let’s dive into making these hops sing in your next brew.

When to Add Calypso Hops: Timing Is Everything

You only get one shot at making the first impression, and for Calypso hops, it’s all about the timing. Toss these bad boys in during the last 5 minutes of the boil if you’re gunning for that aromatic crescendo.

Want more bitterness oomph? Add them earlier in the boil.

Calypso’s got the alpha acid muscles to handle it.

Early Addition: More bitterness, less aroma. Think strong handshake.
Late Addition: Aromas take center stage. Imagine a fruit basket in a pine forest.

To Dry Hop or Not to Dry Hop

That’s a no-brainer, my friend. If it’s that complex aroma profile you’re after, with whispers of pear and apple, get your dry hop on. Around 1 to 2 ounces for a 5-gallon batch should treat you right, but feel free to experiment.

Dry Hopping: Process of adding hops post-fermentation.
Why Dry Hop: For an aroma that tickles the nostrils and a flavor that winks at your taste buds.

Hopping Stages And Amounts

These beauties are like the siren’s call of the hop world, luring you in with whispers of apple, pear, and stone fruit. So grab your captain’s hat, because we’re about to embark on a flavor voyage with Calypso as our trusty compass!

First stop: the tropical paradise of an American IPA.

Here, Calypso hops are the life of the party, shaking their fruity groove thing like nobody’s watching. Toss in 1.5-2 ounces at the 60-minute mark to build a bitterness backbone that’s sturdier than a pirate’s peg leg.

But don’t stop there, you scallywag! When the clock strikes 15 minutes to go, it’s time to drop in another ounce. This is where Calypso starts to really cut a rug, infusing your brew with those tantalizing tropical notes.

And for the grand finale…

…final ounce at flameout will make your IPA as aromatic as a Caribbean breeze.

It’s like a hoppy holiday for your senses!

Now, let’s change tack and talk about a Wheat Ale. In this brew, Calypso hops are like a sprinkle of island spice on a breezy beach day. Go easy, sailor. We’re looking for a gentle kiss of flavor here.

Add half an ounce at the 60-minute boil to give a subtle nod to bitterness.

Like a secret handshake among friends.

As the end of the boil approaches, with just 5 minutes left, it’s time for another half-ounce. This is your whisper in the wind, a subtle hint of Calypso’s fruity charm. And because we’re all about leaving a lasting impression, toss in a quarter-ounce at flameout.

It’s the soft caress of flavor that lingers like the last rays of a sunset.

Style Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Oz per gallon	Max of Oz per gallon	Min of Oz per batch [5gal]	Max of Oz per batch [5gal]	Average of Oz per gallon
American IPA	Aroma	0.02	0.73	0.09	3.64	0.15
	Bittering	0.04	0.5	0.18	2.5	0.14
	Dry Hop	0.04	0.8	0.18	4	0.22
	First Wort	0.03	0.18	0.15	0.91	0.12
	Flavor	0.02	0.4	0.08	2	0.13
	Hopback	0.1	0.8	0.5	4	0.27
	Whirlpool	0.03	0.83	0.15	4.17	0.17
American IPA Total		0.02	0.83	0.08	4.17	0.17
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.02	0.43	0.12	2.17	0.13
	Bittering	–	0.4	0.01	2	0.11
	Dry Hop	0.04	0.73	0.2	3.64	0.2
	First Wort	0.03	0.56	0.15	2.81	0.15
	Flavor	0.02	0.55	0.12	2.73	0.11
	Hop Stand	0.02	0.33	0.12	1.67	0.18
	Whirlpool	0.03	0.83	0.16	4.17	0.16
American Pale Ale Total		–	0.83	0.01	4.17	0.14
New England IPA	Aroma	0.03	1.45	0.17	7.27	0.19
	Bittering	0.08	0.33	0.41	1.67	0.13
	Dry Hop	0.09	0.92	0.45	4.62	0.29
	First Wort	0.08	0.18	0.42	0.91	0.12
	Flavor	0.05	0.25	0.27	1.25	0.12
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.94	0.19	4.71	0.24
New England IPA Total		0.03	1.45	0.17	7.27	0.23
Saison	Aroma	0.02	0.36	0.1	1.82	0.12
	Bittering	0.02	0.2	0.1	1	0.08
	Dry Hop	0.01	0.53	0.05	2.67	0.18
	Whirlpool	0.07	0.2	0.33	0.98	0.15
Saison Total		0.01	0.53	0.05	2.67	0.11
Double IPA	Aroma	0.05	0.67	0.25	3.33	0.22
	Bittering	0.05	0.33	0.23	1.67	0.18
	Dry Hop	0.08	0.73	0.4	3.64	0.27
	Flavor	0.03	0.2	0.15	1	0.13
	Whirlpool	0.13	0.25	0.67	1.25	0.19
Double IPA Total		0.03	0.73	0.15	3.64	0.2

Style Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Grams per liter	Max of Grams per liter	Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Average of Grams per liter
American IPA	Aroma	0.14	5.45	2.72	108.93	1.16
	Bittering	0.27	3.74	5.45	74.89	1.04
	Dry Hop	0.27	5.99	5.45	119.83	1.68
	First Wort	0.22	1.36	4.49	27.23	0.9
	Flavor	0.12	3	2.35	60	0.97
	Hopback	0.75	5.99	14.98	119.83	2.03
	Whirlpool	0.22	6.24	4.44	124.82	1.3
American IPA Total		0.12	6.24	2.35	124.82	1.27
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.18	3.26	3.57	65.12	0.98
	Bittering	0.01	3	0.26	59.91	0.8
	Dry Hop	0.3	5.45	5.99	108.93	1.49
	First Wort	0.22	4.21	4.4	84.21	1.15
	Flavor	0.18	4.08	3.57	81.7	0.79
	Hop Stand	0.18	2.5	3.57	49.93	1.34
	Whirlpool	0.24	6.24	4.8	124.82	1.2
American Pale Ale Total		0.01	6.24	0.26	124.82	1.04
New England IPA	Aroma	0.25	10.89	5	217.87	1.47
	Bittering	0.62	2.5	12.41	50	0.99
	Dry Hop	0.68	6.91	13.62	138.26	2.14
	First Wort	0.62	1.36	12.48	27.23	0.93
	Flavor	0.4	1.87	8	37.45	0.86
	Whirlpool	0.28	7.05	5.68	140.97	1.77
New England IPA Total		0.25	10.89	5	217.87	1.71
Saison	Aroma	0.15	2.72	3	54.47	0.9
	Bittering	0.15	1.5	3	29.96	0.58
	Dry Hop	0.07	4	1.5	80	1.36
	Whirlpool	0.5	1.47	10	29.47	1.11
Saison Total		0.07	4	1.5	80	0.83
Double IPA	Aroma	0.37	4.99	7.49	99.86	1.65
	Bittering	0.34	2.5	6.81	49.93	1.36
	Dry Hop	0.6	5.45	11.98	108.93	2.02
	Flavor	0.22	1.5	4.45	30	1.01
	Whirlpool	1	1.87	20	37.45	1.42
Double IPA Total		0.22	5.45	4.45	108.93	1.49

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

The Perfect Pair: Harmonizing Hops

Sure, Calypso can handle the spotlight, but it plays well with others too. Pair with hops that complement its profile for a harmonious blend. Think citrus or floral buddies for an ale that’s more balanced than a acrobat on a high wire.

Teaming Up:

Citrusy Hops: To reinforce Calypso’s citrusy side.
Floral Hops: To add some elegance to the robust fruitiness.

So there you have it!

With the right timing, a generous hand at dry hopping, and some charismatic hop companions, you’ll elevate those dual-purpose Calypso hops from backup singers to rock stars in your next ale.

Creative Concoctions: Experimenting with Calypso

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of crafting brews with Calypso hops.

The secret weapon for when you’re itching to stir up a little brewing alchemy.

Single Hop Magic: Unleashing One Hop’s Potential

Imagine a hop that’s not just a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of one. Single hop beers with Calypso let you spotlight this unique variety’s standout show. Here’s the inside scoop on going solo:

Flavor Profile: Expect a burst of apple, pear, and stone fruit to serenade your senses, with a zesty lime encore.
Brewing Use: Ace the base by using Calypso as your lone wolf for both aroma and bitterness, and let its high alpha acid content do the heavy lifting.

Think of it like a rock concert where Calypso is the headliner. No backup hops needed. You’re the roadie tweaking the soundboard to perfection. Oh, and if you’re wondering…

Yes, your beer will rock harder than a band with just a tambourine.

The Blend Trend: Mixing and Matching

Now, let’s jam with a band of hops! Mixing Calypso with other hop varieties is like forming a supergroup where everyone’s a diva in their own right. Here’s how you can hit the right note:

Complementary Flavors: Pair up with Cascade for a zesty citrus blast. Citra for a tropical twist. Or Mosaic and Ekuanot for a hoppy harmony of berry and tropical notes.
Creative Combos: Ready for a flavor explosion? Blend with Azacca for a fruity fiesta in your fermenter.

As you mix and match, remember. Brewing is like a chemistry set, except you can drink the experiments (and your lab partner is probably your cat). It’s all about balance. Like a perfectly executed stage dive.

Can you hear the crowd cheering for an encore yet?

Substituting Calypso: A Hop Crisis Management Guide

Picture this: You’re all set to brew, but Calypso hops are as scarce as a snowball in July. No sweat, my friend. Let me guide you through your hop crisis with some slick substitutes.

When Calypso Plays Hard to Get

Your brew day’s here and Calypso hops have pulled a Houdini on you. Breathe easy! Calypso’s unique tropical and fruity charm can be replicated. It’s all about matching the profile.

Think fruity, a bit of citrus, and a dash of that earthy flavor.

Pro tip: Hopsteiner lineage gives Calypso its zesty persona, but other hops can tango with the best of them when Calypso is playing hard to get.

Hop Name	Characteristics	Why it Works
Cascade	Citrus, Floral	Its grapefruit vibes can mimic Calypso’s citrus notes.
Belma	Fruity, Melon, Strawberry	For a softer fruity profile, Belma’s your hop.
Huell Melon	Melon, Berry	Its melon melody plays well with Calypso’s tropical tunes.

Substitute Hops: Backup Dancers Ready to Shine

When the star of the show is out, it’s time for the understudies to leap into the spotlight.

They’ve been stretching in the wings and are primed to perform in your brew.

Hops on Standby:

Substitute Hop	Flavor Notes	Why They Rock
Citra	Citrus, Tropical Fruit	It’s like Calypso’s first cousin once removed – related and ready to party.
El Dorado	Sweet, Fruity, Citrus	It brings a different kind of sweetness that still hits the high notes.

Go ahead, give these substitutes a whirl, and your beer might just be the talk of the town (or at least your garage). Who knows, you could start a new trend!

Agricultural Aspects: Farming Hops with Zest

Get ready to dive into the hoppy world of Calypso hops! They’re not your ordinary bittering agent. These little green gems offer a zing that pumps up the party in your pint.

But getting them from soil to stein is an art and a science.

Battling the Elements: Growth and Maturity

Growing Calypso hops is like going on a first date. You need to impress Mother Nature first before you can reap the rewards. In the early stages, Calypso hops shoot up faster than a teenager in a growth spurt.

Aiming to reach maturity with gusto.

Location, Location, Location: The Yakima Valley is the VIP lounge of hops. It’s where they party, thanks to its perfect climate and rich soil.
Powdery Mildew – The Party Crasher: Like that one uninvited guest, this pesky fungus adores hop plants. A good farmer knows that to keep powdery mildew at bay, you have to play defense with proper plant care. And maybe even a patent or two on some savvy cultivation techniques.

From Plant to Pint: The Harvest and Storage

When harvest time rolls around, you better be ready. The Calypso hops don’t wait for anyone, they’re ready to jump into your brew the moment they reach peak perfection.

Timing Is Everything: Your hops go from zero to hero during the late summer. Miss this window and it’s like missing the bus to the best party of the year.

Calypso Hop Harvest Checklist:

Keep an eye on the bines
Watch for full cone maturity
Get those storage facilities icy cold

Remember, hops may be resilient, but they’re also delicate little flowers deep down. Your harvest needs to be treated like a VIP from the field to the storage. Where cold temperatures treat them like an A-list celebrity until it’s time to hit the stage.

Or the brew kettle for that matter.

From the hop fields to your frosty pint, there’s a journey, and it’s not free. Your Calypso hops had to travel first-class from farm to brew kettle. But they don’t just add bitterness; they add a tantrum of flavors.

Think apple, pear, tropical fruits, and even some citrusy melon chaos.

Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com