Citra Hops: Hop-timizing Your Brew’s Zesty Zing

Reading Time: around 14 min

Citra hops burst onto the craft beer scene like a citrus-scented firework. These little green cones pack a serious punch of tropical and fruity flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Citra hops shine brightest in…

…American-style IPAs, pale ales, and wheat beers.

Where their zesty personality can really strut its stuff.

Want to impress your beer-snob friends? Drop some Citra knowledge on them. These hops bring the party with notes of grapefruit, lime, and even a hint of tropical fruit salad. It’s like a vacation in a glass, minus the sunburn and overpriced cocktails.

Brewers love Citra for its versatility – it can add a bitter kick or a fragrant aroma, depending on when it’s added to the brew.

So next time you’re sipping a juicy IPA that smells like you’ve stuck your nose in a fruit bowl, give a little nod to Citra. It’s probably working its hoppy magic in your glass, turning an ordinary beer into a flavor explosion.

Key Takeaways

Citra hops deliver a punch of citrus and tropical fruit flavors to your beer
They excel in IPAs and pale ales, making these styles extra juicy and aromatic
Brewers can use Citra for bittering, flavor, or aroma, making it a versatile hop choice

The Rise of Citra: A Hop Odyssey

Citra hops burst onto the brewing scene like a tropical fruit explosion in your mouth. This superstar hop variety quickly climbed the ranks to become a craft beer favorite.

The Birth of a Star: Hop Breeding and Gene Probasco

You can thank Gene Probasco and the wizards at John I. Haas for bringing Citra into your life. Back in 2007, they crossed Hallertauer Mittelfrüh, U.S. Tettnanger, Brewer’s Gold, and East Kent Golding with a dash of American wild hop magic.

The result? Ah boy.

A citrus bomb that would make even the pickiest beer snob weak in the knees.

Citra’s parents read like a who’s who of hop royalty. But this little hop didn’t just ride on mom and dad’s coattails. Nope, it carved out its own zesty niche in the brewing world. With its punch of grapefruit, lime, and tropical goodness.

Citra quickly became the cool kid everyone wanted to hang out with.

Citra vs. The World: Comparing Hop Varieties

Let’s pit Citra against some other hop heavyweights:

Cascade: The OG of American hops, but Citra’s got more tropical swagger
Mosaic: A worthy rival, but can’t quite match Citra’s citrus zing
Galaxy: Close, but Citra’s got that extra je ne sais quoi

Citra’s alpha acid content (10-15%) means it can bitter your brew while making it smell like a fruity paradise. Talk about a multi-tasker! It’s like the Swiss Army knife of hops, perfect for your IPAs, pale ales, and even some cheeky lagers.

You might think Citra’s a one-trick pony with all that citrus talk. But surprise! Tropical fruits are there as well. Plus it’s got subtle hints of herbs and pine too. It’s the hop equivalent of a flavor party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Dual / Universal
Aromas: Citrus, Lime, Grapefruit, Orange, Mango, Melon, Peach
Notes: Tropical Fruit, Gooseberry, Passion Fruit, Herbal, Pine
Alpha-acids: 10.0% – 15.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 3.0% – 4.5% [bitterness added through maturation]
Cohumulone: 20% – 24% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 1.5 – 2.8 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 60% – 70% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 7% – 13% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 5% – 8% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]

The Essence of Zest: Citra’s Flavor and Aroma Profile

Citra hops pack a punch of fruity goodness that’ll make your taste buds dance. These little green cones are bursting with zesty flavors and aromas that’ll transport you to a tropical paradise with every sip. But first bitterness.

The Chemistry of Chill: Alpha and Beta Acids Uncovered

Citra’s got some serious alpha game, with alpha acid levels ranging from 10-15%. That’s like the cool kid in school who’s good at everything. These alpha acids bring the bitter bite to your brew, but don’t worry – Citra keeps it smooth.

The beta acids are the laid-back sidekicks, hanging around at lower levels. They’re not here for the bitter party, but they do add some subtle flavors as your beer ages. It’s like they’re playing the long game.

Citra’s also got a low cohumulone content, which means less harsh bitterness.

It’s like getting a gentle high-five instead of a punch in the face.

Tickling the Senses: Aroma and Flavor Notes

Close your eyes and take a whiff of Citra hops. What do you smell? Citrus fruits having a party with tropical fruits! There’s grapefruit doing the limbo with lime, while mango and passion fruit are break-dancing in the corner.

The flavor’s like a fruit salad exploded in your mouth. You’ll taste:

Zesty grapefruit
Tangy lime
Sweet mango
Exotic lychee
Juicy melon

It’s like a vacation for your taste buds, no sunscreen required!

The Symphony of Compounds: Myrcene and Friends

Citra’s got a whole orchestra of flavor compounds, with myrcene as the lead singer. This aromatic superstar makes up a big chunk of Citra’s oil content, bringing those sweet tropical and citrus notes.

Humulene joins the band too, adding a subtle spicy kick.

It’s like the backup dancer that makes the whole show better.

The total oil content in Citra is pretty high, 1.5 – 2.8 ml / 100g, which means more aroma for your buck. It’s like getting extra toppings on your pizza for free!

These compounds work together to create Citra’s unique flavor profile.

It’s not just a hop, it’s a flavor experience!

Citra at Its Peak: Best Beer Styles for Citra Hops

Citra hops are like the life of the party in your beer glass. These zesty little cones bring a burst of fruity flavor that can transform an ordinary brew into a taste sensation. Let’s dive into the beer styles where Citra truly shines.

The Reign of IPAs: A Humulus Lupulus Love Affair

IPAs and Citra are like peanut butter and jelly – they’re just meant to be together. When you sip an IPA loaded with Citra hops, it’s like biting into a juicy grapefruit while lounging on a tropical beach.

The high alpha acids in Citra (10-15%) give IPAs that bold bitterness you crave.

But it’s not just about the bite. Citra’s intense fruit flavors make your IPA smell like a fruit basket exploded in your glass. Double IPAs? Even better. More hops mean more Citra goodness to tickle your taste buds.

Pro tip: Next time you’re brewing an IPA, try using Citra for both bittering and aroma. Your nose (and your friends) will thank you. This hop variety was literally made for SMaSH beers.

Pale Ales and Citra: A Match Made in Beer Heaven

American Pale Ales are like IPAs’ chiller cousins, and they absolutely love hanging out with Citra. These hops bring a citrusy punch that can wake up even the most boring pale ale.

Think lime, orange, and maybe a hint of passion fruit.

Brewing a pale ale with Citra? You’re in for a treat. The lower alcohol content lets Citra’s flavors shine without overwhelming your palate. It’s like a refreshing lemonade, but, you know, better because it’s beer.

Try dry-hopping your pale ale with Citra. It’ll give your brew an aroma that’ll make you want to bury your nose in the glass. Just remember to come up for air (and sips).

Beyond Bitterness: Exploring Stouts and Other Styles

Think Citra’s just for hoppy beers? Think again! These versatile hops can add a surprising twist to darker brews like stouts. Imagine a rich, roasty stout with a hint of citrus – it’s like adding a squeeze of orange to your chocolate.

During fermentation, try adding a small dose of Citra to your stout. It’ll give a subtle fruity note that plays well with the roasted malts. It’s not traditional, but who wants to be boring?

And don’t stop there. Wheat beers, saisons, even lagers can benefit from a touch of Citra. Just remember: with great hop power comes great responsibility. Use it wisely, and your beer will thank you.

The Alchemy of Brewing: Citra in the Brewing Process

Citra hops are like magic beans for your beer. They bring a burst of citrusy goodness that can transform your brew from meh to marvelous. Let’s dive into how you can harness their power in your brewing adventures.

The High Alpha Acid Phenomenon

Citra hops pack a punch with their high alpha acid content. These little green cones can crank up the bitterness in your beer faster than you can say “hoppy.” But beware, my friend.

Too much of a good thing can turn your brew into a bitter beast.

For bittering, use about 0.5-1 oz of Citra per 5 gallons at the start of your boil. This will give you that nice backbone without overwhelming your taste buds. Remember, Citra’s true superpower lies in its aroma, so don’t go overboard here.

Whirlpool Wonders: Late Addition Techniques

Want to unlock Citra’s full flavor potential? The whirlpool is your secret weapon. Adding Citra hops after you’ve turned off the heat lets you capture all those juicy citrus notes without the harsh bitterness.

Try tossing in 1-2 oz of Citra during your whirlpool for a 5-gallon batch.

Then let it steep for about 20 minutes. This technique works wonders for IPAs and pale ales. Giving you that aromatic punch that’ll make your friends’ noses twitch with delight.

Dry Hop Delirium: Maximizing Aroma

If you’re after that knock-your-socks-off Citra aroma, dry hopping is your ticket to hop heaven. This is where Citra really shines, filling your beer with those intoxicating tropical and citrus scents.

Add 1-3 oz of Citra per 5 gallons during fermentation.

Let it mingle with your brew for 3-5 days before bottling. This works great for New England IPAs or any style where you want that hop aroma to smack you in the face (in a good way, of course).

Remember, brewing with Citra is like playing with fireworks – exciting, but use with care. Start small and adjust to your taste. Happy brewing, you hop wizard, you!

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	–	2.67	0.01	13.33	0.19
	Bittering	–	1.32	0.01	6.6	0.14
	Dry Hop	–	2	0.02	10	0.3
	First Wort	0.01	0.58	0.05	2.92	0.11
	Flavor	0.01	1.17	0.04	5.83	0.14
	Hop Stand	0.04	1.09	0.22	5.45	0.24
	Hopback	0.04	0.91	0.19	4.55	0.24
	Mash	0.04	0.83	0.18	4.17	0.22
	Whirlpool	0.01	2.36	0.06	11.82	0.24
American IPA Total		–	2.67	0.01	13.33	0.22
American Pale Ale	Aroma	–	1.31	–	6.53	0.15
	Bittering	–	0.91	0.02	4.55	0.1
	Dry Hop	–	1.94	–	9.7	0.26
	First Wort	–	0.67	–	3.34	0.11
	Flavor	–	1	–	5	0.11
	Hop Stand	–	1.33	0.01	6.67	0.26
	Hopback	0.03	0.81	0.16	4.05	0.23
	Mash	0.04	0.2	0.22	1	0.12
	Whirlpool	0.01	2.55	0.03	12.73	0.21
American Pale Ale Total		–	2.55	–	12.73	0.18
New England IPA	Aroma	0.01	2.55	0.03	12.73	0.2
	Bittering	0.01	0.8	0.06	4	0.11
	Dry Hop	–	2.67	0.02	13.35	0.31
	First Wort	0.01	0.55	0.07	2.77	0.07
	Flavor	0.02	0.73	0.09	3.64	0.15
	Hop Stand	0.03	1	0.17	5	0.28
	Hopback	–	1.36	0.02	6.82	0.22
	Whirlpool	0.02	1.95	0.09	9.77	0.25
New England IPA Total		–	2.67	0.02	13.35	0.26
Imperial IPA	Aroma	0.03	1	0.15	5	0.22
	Bittering	0.03	0.64	0.13	3.18	0.17
	Dry Hop	0.04	2.55	0.19	12.73	0.32
	First Wort	0.02	0.5	0.08	2.5	0.17
	Flavor	0.04	0.75	0.19	3.74	0.17
	Hopback	0.07	0.5	0.36	2.5	0.21
	Whirlpool	0.03	1	0.17	5	0.25
Imperial IPA Total		0.02	2.55	0.08	12.73	0.24
Double IPA	Aroma	0.03	2.33	0.15	11.67	0.25
	Bittering	0.03	0.67	0.13	3.34	0.19
	Dry Hop	0.05	2.36	0.23	11.78	0.36
	First Wort	0.04	0.36	0.18	1.82	0.17
	Flavor	0.03	0.67	0.13	3.34	0.16
	Hop Stand	0.1	0.55	0.49	2.73	0.24
	Whirlpool	0.03	1.2	0.14	6	0.28
Double IPA Total		0.03	2.36	0.13	11.78	0.28

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	0.01	19.97	0.25	399.42	1.42
	Bittering	0.02	9.89	0.31	197.71	1.06
	Dry Hop	0.02	14.98	0.47	299.57	2.23
	First Wort	0.08	4.37	1.6	87.37	0.83
	Flavor	0.05	8.74	1.08	174.75	1.08
	Hop Stand	0.33	8.17	6.52	163.4	1.82
	Hopback	0.29	6.81	5.76	136.17	1.8
	Mash	0.27	6.25	5.41	125	1.66
	Whirlpool	0.1	17.7	1.92	354.03	1.84
American IPA Total		0.01	19.97	0.25	399.42	1.67
American Pale Ale	Aroma	–	9.77	0.01	195.49	1.13
	Bittering	0.02	6.81	0.5	136.17	0.78
	Dry Hop	–	14.52	–	290.49	1.97
	First Wort	–	5	–	100	0.83
	Flavor	–	7.49	0.02	149.78	0.86
	Hop Stand	0.01	9.99	0.17	199.71	1.92
	Hopback	0.24	6.06	4.81	121.21	1.71
	Mash	0.33	1.5	6.67	29.96	0.92
	Whirlpool	0.05	19.06	0.96	381.27	1.6
American Pale Ale Total		–	19.06	–	381.27	1.35
New England IPA	Aroma	0.04	19.06	0.87	381.27	1.49
	Bittering	0.09	5.99	1.84	119.83	0.85
	Dry Hop	0.03	20	0.67	400	2.35
	First Wort	0.1	4.15	2	83	0.5
	Flavor	0.14	5.45	2.83	108.93	1.1
	Hop Stand	0.25	7.49	4.99	149.78	2.08
	Hopback	0.02	10.21	0.48	204.25	1.61
	Whirlpool	0.14	14.64	2.72	292.71	1.88
New England IPA Total		0.02	20	0.48	400	1.96
Imperial IPA	Aroma	0.22	7.49	4.35	149.78	1.64
	Bittering	0.19	4.77	3.74	95.32	1.31
	Dry Hop	0.29	19.06	5.76	381.27	2.36
	First Wort	0.13	3.74	2.52	74.89	1.23
	Flavor	0.28	5.6	5.6	112	1.26
	Hopback	0.53	3.74	10.7	74.89	1.59
	Whirlpool	0.25	7.49	5	149.78	1.86
Imperial IPA Total		0.13	19.06	2.52	381.27	1.81
Double IPA	Aroma	0.22	17.47	4.44	349.49	1.86
	Bittering	0.19	5	3.74	100	1.41
	Dry Hop	0.34	17.65	6.81	352.94	2.69
	First Wort	0.27	2.72	5.41	54.47	1.23
	Flavor	0.19	5	3.74	100	1.22
	Hop Stand	0.73	4.08	14.54	81.7	1.77
	Whirlpool	0.2	8.99	4.08	179.74	2.12
Double IPA Total		0.19	17.65	3.74	352.94	2.06

*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.

Citra’s Playmates: Harmony in Hop Pairings

Citra may be the star of the show, but it plays well with others too.

Let’s explore some hop combos that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

The Usual Suspects: Simcoe and Amarillo

You know that friend who always brings the party? That’s Simcoe when paired with Citra. These two are like MJ and Pippen – they just work. Simcoe adds a piney, earthy kick that balances Citra’s fruity punch. It’s like a forest fruit salad in your glass!

Amarillo is Citra’s zesty sidekick. Together, they create a citrus explosion that’ll make you pucker up and ask for more. Picture a grapefruit having a wild night out with an orange – that’s the kind of party these hops throw in your brew.

Try this combo in your next IPA:

60% Citra
25% Simcoe
15% Amarillo

Your nose and taste buds (and your beer buds) will thank you!

The Melting Pot: Blending with International Varieties

Who says Citra can’t be worldly? Pair it with some globe-trotting hops for a flavor passport. Mosaic, Citra’s American cousin, brings berry and tropical notes to the mix. It’s like adding a fruit smoothie to your beer – in the best way possible.

Fancy a European vacation? Team Citra up with German Hallertau for a classy, spicy twist. It’s like putting a bow tie on your beer – suddenly, it’s all fancy.

Don’t forget the Kiwis! New Zealand hops like Nelson Sauvin can add a white wine grape character. It’s beer meets wine – a combination that’ll make your taste buds say “G’day mate!”

Mix and match to find your perfect blend. Remember, in the world of hops…

…there are no rules – only delicious experiments waiting to happen!

Tales from the Tank: Citra Hops in Craft Beer Culture

Citra hops have taken the craft beer world by storm, shaking up traditional recipes and tickling taste buds everywhere. Let’s dive into some sudsy stories that showcase this zesty little cone’s rise to fame.

The Art of Branding: Sierra Nevada & Deschutes Showdown

You’ve probably noticed those eye-catching labels featuring Citra hops. Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo Extra IPA was an early adopter, blasting your palate with citrusy goodness. Not to be outdone, Deschutes jumped on the Citra train…

…with their Freshly Squeezed IPA.

These brewing giants turned Citra into a household name faster than you can say “another round, please!” Their marketing teams went wild, plastering citrus fruits all over cans and bottles. It’s like a fruit salad exploded in the beer aisle.

Home Brewhaha: Citra, the Homebrewer’s Darling

Ever tried brewing your own beer? If you have, you’ve likely fallen head over heels for Citra hops. This little green gem has become the secret weapon in many a homebrewer’s arsenal.

You can toss these bad boys into just about any style and watch the magic happen. American IPAs? Citra’s got your back. Want to jazz up a pale ale? Citra to the rescue! Some brave souls even use it in stouts for a zesty twist.

Remember Three Floyds’ Zombie Dust? That beer inspired countless homebrewers, like you and I, to create their own Citra-packed clones. Definitely team Citra. Now your garage probably smells like a tropical fruit stand exploded.

Your neighbors might complain, but your taste buds will thank you.

Nerding Out: Nuanced Nuggets of Citra Hop Knowledge

Ready to geek out over Citra hops? Buckle up, hop head! These little green cones pack a punch of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

First up, let’s talk numbers. Citra boasts a hefty alpha acid content of 10-15%. That’s some serious bittering potential, my friend. But wait, there’s more!

The real magic lies in its oil composition:

Total oils: 1.5-2.8 mL/100g
Myrcene: 60-70%
Linalool: 0.3-0.6%

These oils are responsible for that tropical fruit fiesta in your glass. Think mango, passionfruit, and lychee having a party on your tongue.

Want to brew with Citra but can’t find any? No worries! Try these substitutes:

Mosaic
Galaxy
Simcoe

They won’t be exact matches, but they’ll get you in the ballpark of that juicy goodness. And for bitterness? Go with Nugget or Columbus. They are your safest bets.

Fun fact: Citra was born in 2007. It’s basically a millennial hop! No wonder it’s so popular in those trendy hazy IPAs you love.

Speaking of beer styles, Citra shines in:

American Pale Ales
IPAs (especially New England style)
Double IPAs
Pale Lagers (for a twist)

So next time you’re sipping a Citra-hopped brew, impress your friends with these nuggets of hop knowledge. Cheers to being a hop nerd!

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