Challenger Hops and Best Styles: An Adventure in Your Pint Glass

Reading Time: around 10 min

Challenger hops are the unsung heroes of the brewing world. You might not know them by name, but you’ve probably tasted their magic in your favorite English ales. These versatile little cones pack a punch of earthy, herbal, spicy goodness…

…that can transform your homebrew from “meh” to “more please!”

Challenger hops shine brightest in British-style ales, porters, and stouts.

But don’t let that limit your creativity! These chameleons of the hop world can adapt to lagers and even experimental brews. Their balanced bittering potential and unique flavor profile make them a brewer’s secret weapon.

Want to impress your beer-snob friends?

Whip up an Imperial Stout with Challenger hops. It’s like wrapping your taste buds in a cozy blanket of rich, complex flavors. Just be careful – you might find yourself speaking with a British accent after a pint or two!

Key Takeaways

Challenger hops add earthy, spicy, herbal notes to beer
They excel in British ales but work well in many styles
Challenger hops offer balanced bitterness and versatile flavor

Meet the Challenger Hop

Ready to spice up your brew? Challenger hops are here to rock your beer world. These little green cones pack a punch of flavor and bitterness that’ll make your taste buds dance.

A Brief History: From Wye College to Your Pint

Back in the swinging ’60s, some clever folks at Wye College in the UK decided to play matchmaker with hops. They crossed Northern Brewer with a wild German male hop, and boom! Challenger was born.

This new hop variety hit the brewing scene in 1972, and brewers couldn’t get enough of it. It quickly became a star in British ales, giving them that classic earthy flavor you know and love. Challenger hops have been livening up your pints for over 50 years now.

And they are not going anywhere.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Dual / Universal
Aromas: Spicy, Cedar, Herbs, Green Tea
Notes: Pine, Earthy, Floral, Fruity
Alpha-acids: 6.5% – 9.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 3.0% – 4.5% [bitterness added through maturation]
Cohumulone: 20% – 25% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 1.0 – 1.7 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 30% – 42% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 24% – 26% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 9% – 10% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]

The Science of Bitterness: Alpha Acids Unleashed

Now, let’s get nerdy for a sec. Challenger hops are like the Goldilocks of bitterness – not too much, not too little, just right. They’ve got an alpha acid content between 6.5% and 9%. What does that mean for you?

It means your beer will have a nice, balanced bitterness that won’t make your face pucker. But wait, there’s more! These hops also bring a touch of spice and fruit to the party. It’s like they’re wearing two hats – bittering and aroma.

Talk about proper multitasking!

Taste Test: Flavor Profile of Challenger Hops

Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the taste buds! Challenger hops pack a punch that’ll make your beer sing. Let’s dive into the flavors that make this hop variety a brewer’s best friend.

Scent-sational: Nosing the Aromas

Close your eyes and take a whiff. What do you smell? Challenger hops hit you with a blend of earthy, herbal and spicy notes. It’s like walking through a forest after a rain shower. You’ll catch hints of cedar and green tea.

With a dash of sweet fruit thrown in for good measure.

The floral aroma is subtle but there. It’s not going to knock your socks off, but it’ll definitely tickle your nose. Some folks even pick up a touch of lemon zest. It’s a complex bouquet that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Tongue Twisting: The Flavor Spectrum

Now for the main event – the taste! Challenger hops bring a unique flavor profile to your brew. You’ll notice an earthy character right off the bat. It’s like biting into a fresh herb garden.

The fruity notes dance on your tongue. Think ripe marmalade with a twist of citrus. It’s not overpowering, but it adds a nice depth to the beer. Some brewers swear they taste a hint of pine, too.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Earthy: 🌿🌿🌿🌿
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Fruity: 🍊🍊🍊
Herbal: 🌼🌼

Harmony or Discord: Balancing Bitterness and Aroma

Challenger hops are a bit of a chameleon. They can play nice with other hop varieties or stand alone as the star of the show. The bitterness is there, but it’s not going to make your face pucker.

With an alpha acid content of 6.5% to 9%, you get a solid bitter backbone without overwhelming your taste buds. It’s like the Goldilocks of hops – not too bitter, not too mild, just right.

The aroma compounds play well with the bitterness. You’ll get that spicy, earthy kick upfront, followed by a smooth, fruity-herbal finish. It’s a flavor journey that’ll keep you guessing with every sip.

Style Guide: Beers That Love Challenger

Challenger hops bring a unique flavor party to your brew. They’re like the cool kid at school who gets along with everyone. Let’s dive into the beers that can’t resist Challenger’s charm.

The Stalwarts: Traditional British Ales

British ales and Challenger go together like fish and chips. These hops shine in Extra Special Bitters (ESBs), giving them a spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds dance. Want to brew a classic English Pale Ale?

Challenger’s got your back with its notes of cedar and green tea.

Try using Challenger for bittering and aroma in your next British-style brew. Aim for about 0.5-0.75 oz or maybe even full ounce per 5 gallons at the start of the boil. For that extra oomph, toss in another half ounce near the end.

Remember, less is more with British ales.

You’re not trying to knock anyone’s socks off, just give them a gentle nudge.

The Bold and the Beautiful: IPAs and Pale Ales

Think Challenger’s just for the Brits? Think again! This hop can hang with the cool American crowd too. In IPAs and Pale Ales, Challenger brings a subtle fruity twist that’ll make your brew stand out.

For a killer IPA, pair Challenger with some citrusy American hops. It’s like adding a dash of British class to a rowdy American party. Use about 1 ounce per 5 gallons for bittering, then go wild with late additions. In Pale Ales, Challenger can be your secret weapon.

Its mild flavor won’t overpower, but it’ll add depth…

…that’ll have your friends asking, “What’s your secret?”

The Dark Side: Porters and Stouts

Challenger hops aren’t afraid of the dark. In fact, they thrive in it! These hops can add a spicy, slightly fruity note to your Porters and Stouts that’ll have you coming back for more.

For a robust Porter, use Challenger for bittering and a touch of flavor. About 1.5 ounces per 5 gallons at the start of the boil should do the trick. Want a Stout that’s out of this world? Try a late addition of Challenger for a subtle fruity aroma.

Remember, in dark beers, Challenger is like the bass player in a band.

It’s not the star, but without it, something’s missing.

Brewing Basics: Using Challenger in the Boil

Challenger hops are like the Swiss Army knife of brewing – versatile and ready for action. Let’s dive into how you can make these bad boys shine in your brew kettle.

The Bittering Ballet

Challenger hops love to strut their stuff early in the boil. Toss them in at the 60-minute mark, and they’ll work their magic. For a classic English Bitter, aim for about 30-40 IBUs. That means roughly 1 oz (28g) of Challenger per 5 gallons (19L) at the start of your boil.

But don’t stop there! These hops have more tricks up their sleeve. Try a mid-boil addition at 30 minutes to add some spicy, earthy notes. About 0.5 oz (14g) should do the trick.

And perhaps another 0.5 oz at flameout.

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
Best Bitter	Aroma	0.03	0.4	0.13	2	0.13
	Bittering	0.03	0.33	0.17	1.65	0.14
	Dry Hop	0.06	0.4	0.28	2	0.15
	First Wort	0.06	0.43	0.29	2.14	0.13
	Flavor	0.03	1.52	0.15	7.58	0.12
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.2	0.19	1.02	0.1
Best Bitter Total		0.03	1.52	0.13	7.58	0.13
Strong Bitter	Aroma	0.01	0.8	0.03	4.01	0.16
	Bittering	0.03	0.57	0.15	2.86	0.16
	Dry Hop	0.05	0.21	0.27	1.04	0.16
	First Wort	0.04	0.48	0.21	2.4	0.13
	Flavor	0.02	0.56	0.11	2.82	0.11
	Whirlpool	0.05	0.33	0.27	1.67	0.18
Strong Bitter Total		0.01	0.8	0.03	4.01	0.15
Ordinary Bitter	Aroma	0.03	0.67	0.15	3.34	0.15
	Bittering	–	0.4	0.01	2	0.16
	Dry Hop	0.1	0.38	0.48	1.91	0.19
	First Wort	0.06	0.36	0.32	1.82	0.17
	Flavor	–	0.35	0.02	1.76	0.12
	Whirlpool	0.09	0.27	0.44	1.34	0.18
Ordinary Bitter Total		–	0.67	0.01	3.34	0.15
English IPA	Aroma	0.03	0.8	0.17	4	0.2
	Bittering	0.01	0.63	0.06	3.15	0.22
	Dry Hop	0.09	1.67	0.45	8.35	0.35
	First Wort	0.05	0.31	0.25	1.57	0.15
	Flavor	0.02	0.61	0.12	3.04	0.15
	Whirlpool	0.1	0.49	0.48	2.43	0.21
English IPA Total		0.01	1.67	0.06	8.35	0.21
Extra Special Bitter	Aroma	0.04	0.33	0.19	1.67	0.14
	Bittering	0.03	0.4	0.15	2	0.17
	Dry Hop	0.04	0.23	0.21	1.14	0.15
	First Wort	0.05	0.22	0.23	1.09	0.11
	Flavor	0.05	0.36	0.23	1.82	0.12
	Whirlpool	0.13	0.22	0.67	1.11	0.18
Extra Special Bitter Total		0.03	0.4	0.15	2	0.15
American IPA	Aroma	0.03	0.36	0.15	1.82	0.17
	Bittering	0.03	0.45	0.13	2.25	0.17
	Dry Hop	0.04	1.09	0.22	5.45	0.25
	First Wort	0.06	0.36	0.32	1.82	0.18
	Flavor	0.04	0.27	0.19	1.34	0.15
	Whirlpool	0.06	0.33	0.29	1.67	0.14
American IPA Total		0.03	1.09	0.13	5.45	0.17

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
Best Bitter	Aroma	0.2	3	4	59.91	0.98
	Bittering	0.26	2.47	5.22	49.3	1.08
	Dry Hop	0.42	3	8.36	60	1.16
	First Wort	0.44	3.21	8.81	64.19	0.98
	Flavor	0.23	11.35	4.62	226.94	0.87
	Whirlpool	0.28	1.52	5.57	30.43	0.74
Best Bitter Total		0.2	11.35	4	226.94	1.01
Strong Bitter	Aroma	0.04	6	0.8	120	1.2
	Bittering	0.23	4.28	4.58	85.59	1.21
	Dry Hop	0.4	1.56	8	31.25	1.18
	First Wort	0.31	3.6	6.25	72	1
	Flavor	0.16	4.23	3.16	84.54	0.84
	Whirlpool	0.41	2.5	8.13	50	1.36
Strong Bitter Total		0.04	6	0.8	120	1.11
Ordinary Bitter	Aroma	0.22	5	4.35	100	1.14
	Bittering	0.02	3	0.36	59.91	1.18
	Dry Hop	0.71	2.86	14.29	57.14	1.42
	First Wort	0.48	2.72	9.6	54.47	1.28
	Flavor	0.03	2.63	0.53	52.63	0.87
	Whirlpool	0.65	2	13.04	40	1.33
Ordinary Bitter Total		0.02	5	0.36	100	1.11
English IPA	Aroma	0.25	5.99	5	119.83	1.49
	Bittering	0.09	4.72	1.82	94.49	1.63
	Dry Hop	0.68	12.5	13.62	250	2.65
	First Wort	0.37	2.35	7.49	47	1.1
	Flavor	0.18	4.55	3.64	90.93	1.11
	Whirlpool	0.71	3.64	14.29	72.73	1.55
English IPA Total		0.09	12.5	1.82	250	1.57
Extra Special Bitter	Aroma	0.29	2.5	5.8	49.93	1.05
	Bittering	0.22	3	4.35	59.91	1.29
	Dry Hop	0.31	1.7	6.16	34.04	1.1
	First Wort	0.34	1.63	6.81	32.51	0.84
	Flavor	0.34	2.72	6.81	54.47	0.88
	Whirlpool	1	1.67	20	33.35	1.34
Extra Special Bitter Total		0.22	3	4.35	59.91	1.13
American IPA	Aroma	0.23	2.72	4.55	54.47	1.28
	Bittering	0.19	3.37	3.8	67.31	1.3
	Dry Hop	0.33	8.17	6.67	163.4	1.92
	First Wort	0.47	2.72	9.44	54.47	1.34
	Flavor	0.28	2	5.56	40	1.1
	Whirlpool	0.43	2.5	8.7	49.93	1.05
American IPA Total		0.19	8.17	3.8	163.4	1.3

*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.

Aroma Alchemy: Getting the Most out of Dry Hopping

Challenger hops aren’t just bitter beauties – they’ve got aroma chops too! For a fragrant finish, add 1-2 oz (28-56g) during the last 5 minutes of the boil. This will give your brew a nice floral and slightly spicy kick.

Want to take it up a notch? Try dry hopping with Challenger. Add 1-2 oz (28-56g) per 5 gallons (19L) after primary fermentation. For more intense experience in IPAs you can try even 3 oz (84g). Let it sit for 3-5 days.

And you’ll have a beer that smells like a walk through an English garden.

Boil Dynamics: Timing and Techniques

Timing is everything with Challenger hops.

Here’s a quick and dirty hopping schedule for an English Pale Ale:

60 minutes: 1 oz (28g) for bittering
15 minutes: 0.5 oz (14g) for flavor
5 minutes: 0.5 oz (14g) for aroma
Dry hop: 1 oz (28g) for 3-5 days

Remember, Challenger plays well with others. Try pairing it with East Kent Goldings or Fuggle for a truly British brew. And don’t be afraid to experiment – these hops are tough enough to handle your wildest brewing dreams!

The Craft of Combining Hops

Mixing hops is like creating a flavor symphony in your beer. It’s where your brewing skills can really shine. Let’s dive into some hop-pairing magic with Challenger as our star player.

Blending Buddies: Partner Hops for Challenger

Challenger loves to mingle with other hops. Try pairing it with Fuggle for a classic British ale vibe. These two are like old pals catching up over a pint. East Kent Goldings is another top-notch buddy.

Together, they’ll give your brew a proper English accent.

Feeling adventurous? Toss in some Cascade or Amarillo for a transatlantic twist. It’s like sending your British cousin on a wild American road trip. The result? A beer that’s got one foot in a London pub and the other in a California surf shack.

Tweaking Recipes: Homebrewer’s Hack

Ready to jazz up your beer recipes? Challenger’s your secret weapon. This dual-purpose hop got your back on multiple fronts. Use it for bittering early in the boil, then toss in a late addition for aroma.

It’s like getting two hops for the price of one!

For a killer pale ale, try this combo: Challenger for bittering, then a mix of Challenger and Cascade at flame-out. You’ll get a spicy, floral base with a citrusy twist. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited.

Remember, brewing’s all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Who knows? You might just create the next big thing in craft beer. Cheers to your hoppy adventures.

Let’s Face the Challenge: Looking For Substitutes

Imagine you’re on a hop adventure, and Challenger just called in sick. No worries! You’ve got some awesome stand-ins ready to rock your brew. First up, we’ve got Northern Brewer – it’s like Challenger’s cool cousin. Then there’s Perle.

The German superstar that’ll bring a similar earthy vibe to your beer party.

Don’t forget about Target – it’s like Challenger’s workout buddy, bringing that extra punch of bitterness if that’s what you’re after. And hey, if you’re feeling a bit traditional, why not give East Kent Goldings a whirl? It’s like stepping into a British pub, but in your glass!

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