Ekuanot Hops: Picking the Perfect Beer Style for This Punchy Hop

Reading Time: around 13 min

If you’re a beer aficionado or just dipping your toes into the frothy world of craft brewing, you’ve likely encountered the term “Ekuanot hops.” A relative newcomer to the hop family, Ekuanot has quickly made a name for itself.

With its complex aroma profile…

…this hop doesn’t just whisper its presence in a brew.

It shouts it from the rooftops.

So, what does this hop bring to the table, or more aptly, to the pint glass?

Imagine a bowl of fruit, a pine forest, and a handful of herbs all thrown into a blender. This is the essence of Ekuanot hops. They’re an avant-garde varietal featuring a vibrant blend of flavors that range from citrusy to spicy.

Craft brewers have been playing matchmaker, experimenting to find which beer style gets the roses when paired with Ekuanot. Spoiler alert: there’s quite a list of beery suitors lining up.

Key Takeaways

Ekuanot hops offer a distinctive aroma and flavor profile, perfect for bold, adventurous brews.
The versatility of Ekuanot allows it to pair well with a wide range of beer styles.
Its unique characteristics are shaping Ekuanot as a beloved ingredient in the craft beer industry.

The Genesis of Ekuanot Hops

Before you dive into your next craft beer, let’s talk about the origins of a hop that might just be swirling in your pint glass – Ekuanot.

Hop Breeding and the Birth of HBC 366

You might not think about the birds and the bees when you’re sipping on a brewski, but hop breeding is a big deal. It’s where our little green friend, Ekuanot, started its journey.

Born in the hop fields as HBC 366, it’s the brainchild of a hop breeding company. Picture scientists in a field, swapping pollen like a botanical matchmaking service, all to bring out the best in beer flavors.

They nailed it with this one.

Crafting a hop that throws a party of aromas from fruity to herbal in your glass.

Parentage: Neomexicanus heritage
Year of Release: 2014
Aromas: Citrus, tropical fruit, pine, berry, earthy, herbs, resin

Trademark Dispute: Eku Turns into Ekuanot

Plot twist: HBC 366 was all set to hit the stage as “Equinox,”. But hold your hops, there was a trademark kerfuffle. Turns out, the name was already taken, and just like that, “Equinox” was out.

But, like any good underhop, it made a comeback with a new name that’s just as snazzy. Ekuanot, your tongue-twisting, taste-bud-tingling friend, got its groove back and now it’s a trademark all of its own.

So next time you say “Ekuanot,”…

…give a nod to the drama that makes soap operas look bland.

Original Name: Equinox (HBC 366)
Trademark Issue: Yep, the name was already taken.
New Name: Ekuanot (Get it? ‘Eku’ + ‘not’ – clever, right?)

Ekuanot Hop Profile

Before you get brewing, let’s zero in on the distinctive features of Ekuanot hops that make them a brewer’s delight.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Dual / Universal
Aromas: Lemon, Lime, Orange Zest, Melon, Papaya
Notes: Berries, Sage, Resinous, Pine, Earthy
Alpha-acids: 13.0% – 15.5% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 4.0% – 5.0% [bitterness added through lagering]
Cohumulone: 31% – 36% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 2.5 – 4.0 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 30% – 45% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 12% – 20% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 8% – 12% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]
- Linalool: 0.5% – 0.8%
- Geraniol: 0.1% – 0.5%

Aromas and Flavors

With Ekuanot hops, you’re in for a complex olfactory cocktail.

Picture yourself nose-diving into a fruit bowl, with juicy citrus, tangy papaya, and a hint of apple surfacing. It’s like a fruit ninja meets herb garden, offering spontaneous high-fives to resin and fresh sage as it splashes a pinch of pine for that forest vibe.

Primary Aromas: Citrus, Berry, Tropical Fruit
Secondary Notes: Green Peppery, Floral, Pine

Full list below. You, my friend, are in for a treat.

Ekuanot hops aromas:

Citrus
Lemon
Lime
Orange peel
Tropical fruit
Melon
Papaya
Blueberry
Apple
Herbal
Sage
Eucalyptus
Floral
Resinous

Ekuanot hops notes:

Pine notes
Cedar notes
Earthy notes
Green Pepper

Oil Composition and Acid Levels

Get ready for a bittersweet symphony because these hops have an alpha acid range that’s music to your bitter-loving tastebuds. With alpha acids around 13-15.5% and beta acids at 4-5%, Ekuanot has the muscles to bitter your beer.

While simultaneously breaking into song with flavorful tunes.

Physical Characteristics: Cones and Harvest

You’ll spot Ekuanot’s cones doing the catwalk with their medium size and compact, sassy strut. While they’re not the biggest stars of the hop world, they pack a punch!

Time your calendars, because harvest season hits around September, and you don’t want to miss this hops fashion show.

Cone Size: Medium
Harvest: September

Now that you’ve got the scoop…

…it’s time to let those Ekuanot hops shine in your next brew session!

Pairing Ekuanot with Beer Styles

Ekuanot hops pack a punch with their all-kind-fruity, resinous and herbal aromas with pine and peppery notes, making them a go-to for certain beer styles. Let’s see which beers are basically begging to be best buddies with Ekuanot.

IPA: The Crowning Glory

Ah, IPAs, the canvas for Ekuanot’s masterpiece.

Your American Pale Ale will thank you for the citrusy makeover, while a New England IPA gets a high-five in hoppiness. Imagine your IPA lifting those intense, fruity aromas to the nose like a boxer raising his belt.

With every sip, Ekuanot adds jabs of lime, berries, and green pepper.

Keeping it fresh, never dull.

American IPA: Tropical fruit, citrus, a touch of bitterness.
New England IPA: Juiciness maximized, bitterness downplayed.

Pale Ale: The Trusty Standby

Think of your Pale Ale as the trusty sidekick. A milder stage for Ekuanot to strut its stuff without stealing the show. That classic Golden Ale gets an edgy twist, with Ekuanot throwing in some unexpected flavors to keep your taste buds on their toes.

It’s like your beer’s gone on a tropical vacation.

And come back with stories of mangoes and papayas.

American Pale Ale: Balanced malt, a splash of Ekuanot’s fruit salad.
Golden Ale: Mild bitterness, with Ekuanot adding a zesty holiday snap.

New Adventurers: Wheat Beer and Other Styles

Now, let’s talk Wheat Beer. Sure, it’s a curveball, but Ekuanot’s like that friend who gets along with everyone at the party. Your American Wheat Beer will be swinging to the beat of Ekuanot’s spicy tunes, turning a calm wheat field into a carnival.

Wheat Beer: Light, zesty, with a whiff of Ekuanot’s peppery perfume.
American Wheat Beer: Crisp, with Ekuanot’s spicy backbone.

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	0.11	6.72	2.22	134.43	1.23
	Bittering	0.05	2.81	0.95	56.17	0.95
	Dry Hop	0.01	12.5	0.1	250	1.95
	First Wort	0.43	1.36	8.51	27.27	0.91
	Flavor	0.15	3	2.96	59.91	0.96
	Hop Stand	1.33	2.04	26.67	40.82	1.5
	Hopback	1.15	4.17	23.04	83.33	2.71
	Mash	1.36	1.36	27.23	27.23	1.36
	Whirlpool	0.03	12	0.66	240	1.69
American IPA Total		0.01	12.5	0.1	250	1.52
New England IPA	Aroma	0.15	3	3.08	59.91	1.27
	Bittering	0.05	2.7	0.95	54	0.77
	Dry Hop	0.24	8.1	4.81	162	1.94
	First Wort	0.21	1.5	4.21	29.96	0.66
	Flavor	0.14	7.49	2.72	149.78	0.93
	Hop Stand	1	9.46	20	189.17	1.95
	Hopback	0.34	1.5	6.81	29.96	1.17
	Mash	0.5	0.5	9.94	9.94	0.5
	Whirlpool	0.15	8.33	3	166.67	1.67
New England IPA Total		0.05	9.46	0.95	189.17	1.68
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.15	6	3	120	1.14
	Bittering	0.12	4.08	2.3	81.7	0.65
	Dry Hop	0.37	11.98	7.49	239.65	2.02
	First Wort	–	0.87	–	17.39	0.4
	Flavor	0.15	3	3	59.91	0.77
	Hop Stand	0.5	2.33	10	46.51	1.24
	Hopback	0.47	4.49	9.43	89.87	1.81
	Mash	0.89	0.89	17.86	17.86	0.89
	Whirlpool	0.15	6.4	3	128	1.63
American Pale Ale Total		–	11.98	–	239.65	1.36
Double IPA	Aroma	0.41	5	8.17	100	1.27
	Bittering	0.8	1.69	16	33.9	1.21
	Dry Hop	0.28	4.17	5.56	83.33	1.97
	First Wort	0.47	1.25	9.49	24.96	0.94
	Flavor	0.41	1.94	8.17	38.89	1.05
	Hop Stand	1.25	2.31	25	46.15	1.78
	Whirlpool	0.28	4.08	5.56	81.7	1.87
Double IPA Total		0.28	5	5.56	100	1.57
American Amber Ale	Aroma	0.5	3	10	59.91	1.19
	Bittering	0.29	0.87	5.83	17.47	0.69
	Dry Hop	0.75	2.78	15	55.56	1.55
	First Wort	0.25	0.32	5	6.36	0.29
	Flavor	0.23	1.75	4.68	35	0.62
	Hop Stand	1.61	1.61	32.2	32.2	1.61
	Whirlpool	0.44	2.78	8.81	55.56	1.45
American Amber Ale Total		0.23	3	4.68	59.91	1.17

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	0.01	0.9	0.07	4.49	0.16
	Bittering	0.01	0.38	0.03	1.88	0.13
	Dry Hop	–	1.67	–	8.35	0.26
	First Wort	0.06	0.18	0.28	0.91	0.12
	Flavor	0.02	0.4	0.1	2	0.13
	Hop Stand	0.18	0.27	0.89	1.36	0.2
	Hopback	0.15	0.56	0.77	2.78	0.36
	Mash	0.18	0.18	0.91	0.91	0.18
	Whirlpool	–	1.6	0.02	8.01	0.23
American IPA Total		–	1.67	–	8.35	0.2
New England IPA	Aroma	0.02	0.4	0.1	2	0.17
	Bittering	0.01	0.36	0.03	1.8	0.1
	Dry Hop	0.03	1.08	0.16	5.41	0.26
	First Wort	0.03	0.2	0.14	1	0.09
	Flavor	0.02	1	0.09	5	0.12
	Hop Stand	0.13	1.26	0.67	6.31	0.26
	Hopback	0.05	0.2	0.23	1	0.16
	Mash	0.07	0.07	0.33	0.33	0.07
	Whirlpool	0.02	1.11	0.1	5.56	0.22
New England IPA Total		0.01	1.26	0.03	6.31	0.22
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.02	0.8	0.1	4.01	0.15
	Bittering	0.02	0.55	0.08	2.73	0.09
	Dry Hop	0.05	1.6	0.25	8	0.27
	First Wort	–	0.12	–	0.58	0.05
	Flavor	0.02	0.4	0.1	2	0.1
	Hop Stand	0.07	0.31	0.33	1.55	0.17
	Hopback	0.06	0.6	0.31	3	0.24
	Mash	0.12	0.12	0.6	0.6	0.12
	Whirlpool	0.02	0.85	0.1	4.27	0.22
American Pale Ale Total		–	1.6	–	8	0.18
Double IPA	Aroma	0.05	0.67	0.27	3.34	0.17
	Bittering	0.11	0.23	0.53	1.13	0.16
	Dry Hop	0.04	0.56	0.19	2.78	0.26
	First Wort	0.06	0.17	0.32	0.83	0.13
	Flavor	0.05	0.26	0.27	1.3	0.14
	Hop Stand	0.17	0.31	0.83	1.54	0.24
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.55	0.19	2.73	0.25
Double IPA Total		0.04	0.67	0.19	3.34	0.21
American Amber Ale	Aroma	0.07	0.4	0.33	2	0.16
	Bittering	0.04	0.12	0.19	0.58	0.09
	Dry Hop	0.1	0.37	0.5	1.85	0.21
	First Wort	0.03	0.04	0.17	0.21	0.04
	Flavor	0.03	0.23	0.16	1.17	0.08
	Hop Stand	0.21	0.21	1.07	1.07	0.21
	Whirlpool	0.06	0.37	0.29	1.85	0.19
American Amber Ale Total		0.03	0.4	0.16	2	0.16

*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.

Ekuanot in the Brewery

When you get your hands on Ekuanot hops, you’re gearing up for a brew day that promises bold flavors and aromas. These hops are a secret weapon for creating beers with an unmistakably complex character.

From Pellet to Pint: Brewing with Ekuanot

So you’ve got Ekuanot hops in pellet form. Tiny little green bullets of flavor. Before you scoff at their humble appearance, remember: great things come in small packages. Toss them into your boil and they’ll release a symphony of fruity and herbal notes.

Perfect for that IPA recipe you’ve been mulling over.

Ekuanot is like that unpredictable friend who always brings the party. Expect surprises of citrus, berry, and papaya crashing your beer’s flavor profile. And don’t forget the bitter finish; it’ll sneak up on you like an unexpected plot twist.

Typical Alpha Acidity: 13-15.5%
Beer Styles: Got an American IPA in mind? Excellent choice! Ekuanot is also dynamite in Pale Ales.

Hopping Recommendations

If Ekuanot were a person, it’d be that friend who can juggle, do magic tricks.

And bake a mean soufflé all at the same time.

Ekuanot is a chameleon, ready to strut its stuff in a variety of beer styles. Fancy an IPA? Ekuanot’s your hop. What about a hop-forward Pale Ale? Ekuanot’s there with bells on. Even in a Farmhouse Ale, Ekuanot can do a little dance…

…and make the brew come alive.

This bad boy’s as complex as a Rubik’s Cube at a Mensa meeting and twice as colorful. We’re gonna throw this hop into a couple of beer styles that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha.

First on the hit parade is the American IPA.

You know it, you love it. And with Ekuanot, it’s about to get a flavor makeover that would make a celebrity stylist weep with joy. Start with a 60-minute addition of about 0.75-1 ounces for a bitterness that says, “I’m here, deal with it.”

But we’re not just here for the bitter banter; we’re here for the flavor fiesta.

With 10 minutes left in the boil, let’s get zesty with another 0.75-1 ounces of Ekuanot. This is where the magic happens. And your IPA starts to strut its stuff with flavors of citrus, berry, and a hint of papaya that’s as exotic as a parrot in a tuxedo.

Now, don’t put your hops away yet!

When you kill the flame, it’s time for the aroma encore. Toss in a final 0.5 ounces, or a tad more, to the whirlpool and let those tropical and herbal notes do a swan dive into your brew.

This aroma is going to linger like the last guest at a house party.

Switching gears, let’s talk about the trendsetting New England IPA.

This style is all about hop aroma and flavor with a bitterness that’s softer than a kitten’s whisper. You’ll want to skip the bittering addition and jump straight to the late boil. Toss in about 1 ounce of Ekuanot with 5 minutes left to play.

It’s like adding the final stroke to a masterpiece.

But wait, there’s more!

Dry hop with a generous 2 ounces of Ekuanot after fermentation. This is where you get to say, “Buckle up, taste buds, we’re going on a trip!”. Expect a sensory overload that’s as thrilling as finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag.

Optimal Storage Practices for Hops

You wouldn’t leave a fine steak out in the sun, so treat your Ekuanot hops with some respect! They thrive in cool, dark places. Think of them as vampires who are only out to enhance your beer’s taste. Seal them tight, stash them cold, and they’ll repay you by staying fresh.

Temperature: Below 40°F (4°C)
Packaging: Airtight, oxygen-barrier bags
Light Exposure: As little as possible; no tanning sessions for these hops!

Remember, your brew is only as good as your ingredients.

Treat those Ekuanot pellets like you’d treat your grandma’s heirloom pearls, and they’ll make sure your beer is the talk of the town.

A Symphony of Ekuanot

Before we jazz things up, know this: Ekuanot hop is your ticket to a burst of fruity and citrus flavors, with just the right pinch of herbal kick to make your beer sing.

Complementary Varieties

When you mix Ekuanot with its hop buddies, you’re the maestro of a flavor orchestra.

Loral: Picture a floral duet with Ekuanot’s fruitiness.
Citra: Crank up the citrus volume, and let these two tango.
Mosaic: A harmonious blend that’ll make your beer taste like a tropical getaway.

Ekuanot® hops pair well with a variety of other hops, including Cascade, Chinook, and Simcoe.

Strike up the band with grains that groove with these hops, and let the fermentation play out smoothly with yeast that can handle the symphony.

Grain Type	Why it Jams with Ekuanot
Pale Malt	Enhances fruity notes
Wheat Mal	Brings out the brightness

Substitutional Varieties

If Ekuanot hops skipped your gig, no sweat, there are understudies ready to hop in.

Simcoe: Similar alpha acids, but expect a piney twist in your jam session.
Chinook: You’ll get that pine note, with a hint of spice to keep things interesting.

Remember, it’s all about the balance—alpha acids, oil composition, and total oils set the stage for beer that makes your taste buds cheer.

Substitute Hop	Character Swap
Simcoe	Alpha Acid: Bold, Piney Profile
Chinook	Spice It Up with Herbal Notes

Elevate your brew with a bang-on blend of hops and grains, and let those yeast cells dance to the tune of Ekuanot. Cheers to your next brewing adventure, where the Ekuanot leads the way to a mouthwatering masterpiece! 🍻

Ekuanot Hops’ Industry Impact

Market Reception

Ekuanot is one of the most exciting varieties to hit the market in recent years. This hop has been making waves since it was first released in 2014. Its unique flavor profile, which includes notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine, has made it a favorite among brewers.

And beer enthusiasts probably even more.

If you’re a hop grower, you’ll be happy to know that Ekuanot is in high demand. Many breweries are looking for ways to incorporate this hop into their recipes. Which means that there’s a lot of money to be made if you can produce a high-quality crop.

And if you’re a brewer, using Ekuanot in your beer…

…can help set you apart from the competition.

Comparisons to Other Hops

Ekuanot is often compared to other popular hop varieties. Such as Mosaic, Citra, El Dorado, and Talus. While each of these hops has its own unique flavor profile, Ekuanot stands out for its combination of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine notes.

It’s also known for its high oil content, which makes it a great choice for dry hopping.

If you’re looking to make an impact in the beer industry, incorporating Ekuanot hops into your brewing process is a great way to do it. With its unique flavor profile, high demand, and ideal growing conditions, Ekuanot is a hop that’s here to stay.

So why not give it a try and see what all the buzz is about?

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