Cannabis Aroma in Hops: When Beer Smells Like Hippy Garage

Many beer lovers notice a familiar scent when they smell certain hop varieties. The earthy, dank aroma reminds you of cannabis – and there’s a good reason for that! Both hops and cannabis plants share similar aromatic compounds called terpenes.

With myrcene being one of the most common in both plants.

This family connection runs deep. 

Hops and cannabis belong to the same plant family, which explains their similar smell profiles. Modern hop breeding has given us varieties that really showcase these distinctive aromas. Making them perfect for crafting unique beer experiences.

Newer hop varieties like Strata and Apollo bring intense cannabis-like qualities to your brew. These hops pack a punch with their resinous, dank characteristics. While adding layers of other interesting flavors. You’ll find these varieties especially popular in craft IPAs.

Where brewers want to create bold, distinctive flavor profiles.

Key Takeaways

• Hops and cannabis share key aromatic compounds that create similar scent profiles
• Modern hop breeding has created varieties specifically known for dank, cannabis-like aromas
• Craft IPAs frequently showcase these distinctive hop characteristics for bold flavor profiles

Hop Varieties with Cannabis Flavor and Aroma

You’ll find some hop varieties that smell just like your friend’s “special garden.” This unique aroma comes from shared terpenes between hops and cannabis. They’re actually plant cousins in the Cannabaceae family!

Strata is your go-to hop for dank cannabis notes. You’ll get layers of tropical fruit and grapefruit alongside that distinctive marijuana-like aroma. When you dry hop with Strata, the cannabis character really shines through.

Looking for more options? Columbus (CTZ) brings intense dank, resinous qualities that might make your neighbors raise an eyebrow. It pairs these cannabis notes with spicy and citrus undertones.

The secret behind these similar smells is myrcene, a terpene found in both plants. Think of it as nature’s aromatic matchmaker bringing these botanical cousins together.

Want to dial up the dankness? Try these varieties:

• Apollo: Your goto with intense pine and cannabis character
• Summit: Strong resin and garlic notes that remind cannabis

Pro tip: Dry hopping tends to pull out more of those sought-after cannabis aromas. Your beer will smell like you mixed up your plants – in the best way possible!

Remember to start small with these powerful varieties. 

You’re aiming for craft beer, not bong water!

The Other Ways Of Getting Cannabis Aromas In Beers

You can blend cannabis and hops during the dry-hopping stage to create amazing aromas in your beer. The trick is to split your dry-hopping into two steps.

Start with a pure hop addition on day one. 

This builds your base aroma profile and lets the hop flavors develop naturally.

On day two, mix equal parts cannabis and hops together. Let this combo sit for 4 days before you package your beer. This method helps avoid harsh grassy notes while maximizing the dank, resinous qualities.

Pro tip: Galaxy hops make an excellent partner for cannabis additions. They’re packed with terpenes and bring their own resinous, dank character to the mix.

The secret behind these similar aromas? Both hops and cannabis contain humulene, a terpene that gives them their signature scent. You’ll find this compound in varying amounts across different hop varieties.

Beer Styles Suitable For Cannabis Aromas And Flavors

New England-style Double IPAs are your best bet for cannabis-like aromas. These beers have the body and strength to balance out those dank, herbal notes you’re chasing.

Strong or Imperial styles work great because they can handle intense flavors. You’ll want beers with ABVs above 7% to match the bold character. The key is picking beers with lots of hops already in the mix.

Here are the top styles to experiment with:

• Double/Triple IPAs
• Imperial Stouts
• Barleywines
• Strong Ales

These styles let you play with layers of complementary flavors:

• Citrus (grapefruit, orange)
• Tropical (passion fruit, pineapple)
• Earthy (pepper, spice)
• Floral (peach, strawberry)

Don’t try this with light lagers or wheat beers – the subtle cannabis notes will stick out like a sore thumb. Your goal is to create harmony between all those funky flavors.