El Dorado Hops: The Golden Ticket to Hoppy Heaven
El Dorado hops are like the rock stars of the brewing world. These golden beauties burst onto the scene in 2010 and quickly became the talk of the town. With their tropical fruit flavors and high alpha acid content, they’re the perfect addition to your next brew.
El Dorado hops shine brightest in hop-forward beers.
Like IPAs, Double IPAs, and Pale Ales.
Their juicy pineapple, pear, and watermelon notes make your taste buds do a happy dance. But don’t let that stop you from experimenting with other styles. These versatile hops can add a fruity twist to everything from lagers to cream ales.
Want to impress your beer-loving friends? Throw some El Dorado hops into your next homebrew. With an alpha acid content of 13-17%, they pack a punch in both bitterness and aroma. Just remember, a little goes a long way.
Too much, and you might end up with a fruit salad instead of a beer!
Key Takeaways
- El Dorado hops bring tropical fruit flavors to beer styles like IPAs and Pale Ales
- These versatile hops have a high alpha acid content, making them great for bittering and aroma
- Experiment with El Dorado in your homebrews, but remember that moderation is key
Unearthing the El Dorado Hop
El Dorado hops are like buried treasure waiting to be discovered in your brew kettle. These golden nuggets pack a punch of tropical flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.
A Hop of Legends
Ever dreamed of finding the mythical city of gold? Well, you’re in luck! El Dorado hops are the next best thing. These little gems burst with flavors of pineapple, mango, and even candy-like notes. It’s like someone stuffed a piñata…
…full of tropical fruit and smashed it into your beer.
You’ll find El Dorado flexing its muscles with a hefty 13-17% alpha acid content. That means it’s not just a pretty face – it can handle bittering duties too. But let’s be real, you’ll want to save some for late additions to really let those juicy flavors shine.
From the Fields of Washington
Picture this: rolling hills, sunny skies, and rows upon rows of hop bines.
Stretching as far as the eye can see. That’s the birthplace of your new hoppy BFF.
El Dorado first popped up in 2010, thanks to the wizards at CLS Farms in Yakima Valley, Washington. These folks know their hops like you know your favorite barstool. The Moxee Valley, nestled in hop country, provides the perfect playground.
Where El Dorado can grow big and strong.
Now, 23 growers across the US are in on the El Dorado secret. But don’t worry, there’s plenty to go around. You’ll find these hops making waves in IPAs, Pale Ales, and any brew that could use a tropical vacation in a glass.
Main Characteristics
- Purpose: Dual / Universal
- Aromas: Pineapple, Mango, Peach, Nectarine, Pear, Watermelon
- Notes: Citrus, Tropical, Citrus Zest, Papaya, Cherry, Candy-like
- Alpha-acids: 13.0% – 17.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
- Beta-acids: 6.0% – 8.0% [bitterness added through maturation]
- Cohumulone: 28% – 33% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
- Hops oil breakdown: 2.5 – 3.3 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 55% – 60% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 10% – 15% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 6% – 8% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]
The Flavor Profile: A Fruit Fiesta
Get ready for a taste bud explosion! El Dorado hops bring a whole fruit basket to your brew, packed with tropical delights, stone fruit surprises, and citrusy twists.
Tropical Bonanza
Ever dreamed of sipping a beer on a Caribbean beach? El Dorado hops can take you there! These little green cones pack a punch of pineapple, mango, and passionfruit flavors.
You’ll catch whiffs of citrus and papaya too. Don’t be surprised if you start looking for tiny umbrellas in your beer. The aroma is so potent, you might even hear steel drums in the distance.
The Stone Fruit Saga
Think you’re drinking a peach smoothie? Nope, it’s just El Dorado working its magic!
These hops bring a bounty of stone fruit flavors to your brew.
You’ll taste juicy peaches, sweet apricots, and maybe even a hint of cherry. It’s like biting into a ripe nectarine on a sunny summer day. The stone fruit notes blend seamlessly with the tropical vibes, creating a fruity symphony in your mouth.
Citrus Twists and Watermelon Wonders
El Dorado doesn’t stop at tropical and stone fruits. It’s got a zesty side too! You’ll pick up notes of tangy lime and sweet orange that’ll make your taste buds do a little dance.
But wait, there’s more! Ever had a watermelon jolly rancher? That’s the unique candy-like watermelon flavor El Dorado brings to the party. It’s refreshing, sweet, and downright addictive.
- Citrus notes:
- Lime zest
- Orange peel
- Grapefruit hints
Don’t forget the subtle pear undertones that tie it all together.
It’s like a fruit salad in a glass, but way more fun!
Brewing Characteristics: More Than Just Bitterness
El Dorado hops pack a punch beyond mere bitterness. These golden nuggets bring a whole flavor fiesta to your brew kettle. Let’s dive into the juicy details!
Alpha Acid Affairs
Hold onto your brew spoons, folks! El Dorado’s alpha acid content is no joke. We’re talking a whopping 13-17% here. That’s enough to make your taste buds stand at attention.
But don’t let that scare you off.
This hop isn’t just about face-puckering bitterness. It’s got finesse, baby! Use it wisely, and you’ll get a smooth, balanced bite that’ll have your beer buddies begging for more.
Want to crank up the IBUs? Go nuts! El Dorado’s got your back. But remember, with great alpha comes great responsibility. Don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with a beer that could strip paint.
The Dual-Purpose Dynamo
El Dorado’s not just a one-trick pony. Oh no, this hop’s got range! It’s the Swiss Army knife of the hop world, ready to tackle any job you throw at it.
Need some bittering power? El Dorado’s got you covered. Looking for late addition flavor and aroma? It’s all over that too. This versatile little beast can do it all.
Early additions will give you that solid bitterness foundation. But toss it in late, and you’ll unleash a tropical fruit explosion that’ll have you thinking you’ve been teleported to a Hawaiian beach party.
Oil Content Conundrum
Here’s where things get really interesting. El Dorado’s oil content is like a flavor bomb waiting to go off in your brew kettle. With 2.5-3.3 mL/100g of total oil, it’s packing some serious aromatic heat.
The oil breakdown is where the magic happens:
- Myrcene: 55-60%
- Humulene: 10-15%
- Caryophyllene: Bringing up the rear
This unique oil profile is what gives El Dorado its signature tropical fruit punch. You’ll get waves of pineapple, mango, and other fruity goodness that’ll make your beer sing.
But be warned: with great oil comes great aroma. Use too much, and you might end up with a beer that smells like a fruit salad exploded in your glass. Not that that’s always a bad thing, mind you! Some beers dig it.
El Dorado’s Role in Beer Styles
El Dorado hops are the life of the party in modern craft brewing. These golden nuggets bring tropical flair and juicy goodness to a wide range of beer styles. Let’s dive into where they shine brightest!
The IPA’s New Best Bud
IPAs and El Dorado are a match made in hop heaven. This versatile hop variety cranks up the flavor to 11 in your favorite India Pale Ales. With its bold 13-17% alpha acids, El Dorado adds a punch of bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the malt.
But that’s not all, folks! El Dorado’s real superpower lies in its aroma. Picture yourself sipping on an IPA bursting with notes of pineapple, mango, and candy-like fruitiness. That’s El Dorado working its magic!
Want to go big? Double IPAs love El Dorado too.
Its high oil content means more flavor packed into every sip.
Your taste buds will thank you!
Lagers Love El Dorado Too
Don’t let IPAs hog all the El Dorado glory! This hop variety can jazz up your lagers like nobody’s business. Imagine a crisp, clean lager with a twist of tropical fruit. Sounds pretty great, right?
El Dorado’s soft bitterness works wonders in lagers. It adds just enough bite without overpowering the delicate malt flavors. Try it in a pale lager for a refreshing summer sipper with a fruity kick.
Feeling adventurous? Toss some El Dorado into a dry-hopped pilsner. You’ll get that classic pilsner crispness with a hint of pear and watermelon. It’s like a vacation in a glass!
Pale Ales and Other Pals
American Pale Ales and El Dorado are besties. This hop variety brings out the best in APAs, adding a juicy fruitiness that’ll make your taste buds dance. Think citrus, pear, and a touch of candy-like sweetness.
But why stop there? El Dorado plays well with others too. Toss it into a wheat beer for a tropical twist on a classic. Or use it to breathe new life into an old-school English bitter #contemporary.
Feeling experimental? Try El Dorado in a fruited sour. Its tropical notes will complement the tartness perfectly. The possibilities are endless when you’ve got El Dorado in your hop arsenal!
Hop Along the Brewing Process
El Dorado hops are like a party in your brew kettle. They bring the fun at any stage, from bittering to dry-hopping. Let’s dive into how you can make these tropical beauties shine in your beer.
Early Bird or Late Addition
Wanna go bold? Toss El Dorado in early for a punch of bitterness. Aim for about 0.5-1 oz per 5 gallons at 60 minutes. But here’s a pro tip: save some for later! Adding 0.75-1 oz at 5-10 minutes before flameout will give you a burst of fruity goodness.
It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth!
For you IPA lovers, try the below hop schedule.
1 oz at 60 min, 1 oz at 15 min, and 2 oz at flameout. You’ll thank me later!
Dry-Hopping: The Aroma Amplifier
Ready to crank up the aroma? Dry-hopping with El Dorado is your ticket to Flavortown. Add 1-2 oz per 5 gallons during fermentation. The longer you leave it, the more intense the aroma. But don’t go overboard – 3-5 days is usually enough.
Want to get wild? Try a double dry-hop: add 1-1.5 oz during active fermentation.
Then another 1-1.5 oz a few days before bottling. It’s like a fruit salad in your glass!
Remember, these are just guidelines. Feel free to adjust, mix, experiment and find your perfect El Dorado balance. Can be more, can be less, can be something completely different. That’s the beauty. Happy brewing!
Pairing and Usage: How Much Is Too Much?
El Dorado hops pack a punch, so you’ll want to use them wisely. Let’s dive into finding the sweet spot, pairing them with other hop stars, and what to do when they go MIA.
Finding the Perfect Balance
Too much of a good thing can spoil the brew, right? With El Dorado, start small and work your way up. For a standard 5-gallon batch, try 1-2 oz in your late additions or dry hopping. It’s like adding hot sauce – a little goes a long way!
Want more oomph? Bump it up to 3-4 oz, but be warned: you might end up with a candy store in your glass. And a real hop bomb. Remember, these bad boys are potent. A little restraint can make your beer sing instead of scream.
Pro tip: Use pellets for better efficiency.
They’re like little flavor bombs waiting to explode in your brew.
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 | 1 | 0.1 | 5 | 0.16 |
Bittering | – | 0.73 | 0.01 | 3.64 | 0.12 | |
Dry Hop | – | 2 | 0.01 | 10 | 0.27 | |
First Wort | 0.01 | 0.5 | 0.06 | 2.5 | 0.09 | |
Flavor | 0.01 | 1.6 | 0.07 | 8 | 0.13 | |
Hop Stand | 0.14 | 0.89 | 0.68 | 4.45 | 0.31 | |
Hopback | 0.02 | 0.8 | 0.08 | 4 | 0.19 | |
Mash | 0.02 | 0.15 | 0.1 | 0.74 | 0.09 | |
Whirlpool | – | 2.05 | 0.01 | 10.27 | 0.21 | |
American IPA Total | – | 2.05 | 0.01 | 10.27 | 0.2 | |
New England IPA | Aroma | 0.02 | 0.8 | 0.12 | 4 | 0.18 |
Bittering | 0.02 | 0.36 | 0.09 | 1.82 | 0.09 | |
Dry Hop | – | 1.78 | 0.02 | 8.89 | 0.27 | |
First Wort | 0.01 | 0.36 | 0.04 | 1.82 | 0.06 | |
Flavor | – | 0.5 | 0.02 | 2.5 | 0.12 | |
Hop Stand | 0.13 | 0.91 | 0.67 | 4.55 | 0.29 | |
Hopback | 0.09 | 0.4 | 0.45 | 2 | 0.24 | |
Whirlpool | 0.02 | 1.69 | 0.09 | 8.44 | 0.21 | |
New England IPA Total | – | 1.78 | 0.02 | 8.89 | 0.22 | |
American Pale Ale | Aroma | 0.01 | 0.91 | 0.06 | 4.55 | 0.16 |
Bittering | 0.01 | 0.67 | 0.06 | 3.33 | 0.11 | |
Dry Hop | 0.01 | 1.03 | 0.06 | 5.16 | 0.25 | |
First Wort | 0.03 | 0.13 | 0.14 | 0.64 | 0.07 | |
Flavor | 0.01 | 0.46 | 0.06 | 2.32 | 0.1 | |
Hop Stand | 0.09 | 0.45 | 0.45 | 2.27 | 0.16 | |
Hopback | 0.06 | 0.33 | 0.29 | 1.67 | 0.18 | |
Whirlpool | 0.01 | 0.8 | 0.04 | 4 | 0.2 | |
American Pale Ale Total | 0.01 | 1.03 | 0.04 | 5.16 | 0.18 | |
Double IPA | Aroma | 0.09 | 0.67 | 0.43 | 3.33 | 0.2 |
Bittering | 0.09 | 0.55 | 0.45 | 2.73 | 0.2 | |
Dry Hop | 0.05 | 1.2 | 0.25 | 6 | 0.31 | |
First Wort | 0.04 | 0.18 | 0.18 | 0.91 | 0.12 | |
Flavor | 0.03 | 1.61 | 0.13 | 8.06 | 0.2 | |
Whirlpool | 0.04 | 1.61 | 0.18 | 8.06 | 0.29 | |
Double IPA Total | 0.03 | 1.61 | 0.13 | 8.06 | 0.26 | |
American Light Lager | Aroma | 0.05 | 0.42 | 0.27 | 2.12 | 0.15 |
Bittering | 0.01 | 0.21 | 0.03 | 1.05 | 0.1 | |
Dry Hop | 0.08 | 1 | 0.42 | 5 | 0.29 | |
First Wort | 0.02 | 0.18 | 0.11 | 0.91 | 0.05 | |
Flavor | 0.03 | 0.21 | 0.14 | 1.06 | 0.1 | |
Whirlpool | 0.04 | 1 | 0.2 | 5.01 | 0.25 | |
American Light Lager Total | 0.01 | 1 | 0.03 | 5.01 | 0.19 |
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 | 7.49 | 2.86 | 149.78 | 1.22 |
Bittering | 0.01 | 5.45 | 0.24 | 108.93 | 0.92 | |
Dry Hop | 0.01 | 14.98 | 0.16 | 299.57 | 2.06 | |
First Wort | 0.1 | 3.74 | 1.92 | 74.89 | 0.64 | |
Flavor | 0.1 | 11.98 | 2 | 239.65 | 0.96 | |
Hop Stand | 1.02 | 6.67 | 20.42 | 133.33 | 2.32 | |
Hopback | 0.12 | 5.99 | 2.46 | 119.83 | 1.41 | |
Mash | 0.15 | 1.1 | 3 | 22.03 | 0.7 | |
Whirlpool | 0.01 | 15.38 | 0.2 | 307.69 | 1.54 | |
American IPA Total | 0.01 | 15.38 | 0.16 | 307.69 | 1.49 | |
New England IPA | Aroma | 0.18 | 5.99 | 3.52 | 119.83 | 1.36 |
Bittering | 0.13 | 2.72 | 2.64 | 54.47 | 0.64 | |
Dry Hop | 0.03 | 13.31 | 0.57 | 266.28 | 2.06 | |
First Wort | 0.07 | 2.72 | 1.33 | 54.47 | 0.43 | |
Flavor | 0.03 | 3.74 | 0.57 | 74.89 | 0.89 | |
Hop Stand | 1 | 6.82 | 20 | 136.36 | 2.15 | |
Hopback | 0.67 | 3 | 13.5 | 59.91 | 1.77 | |
Whirlpool | 0.14 | 12.65 | 2.72 | 252.97 | 1.61 | |
New England IPA Total | 0.03 | 13.31 | 0.57 | 266.28 | 1.67 | |
American Pale Ale | Aroma | 0.09 | 6.81 | 1.74 | 136.17 | 1.18 |
Bittering | 0.09 | 4.99 | 1.74 | 99.86 | 0.79 | |
Dry Hop | 0.09 | 7.73 | 1.81 | 154.61 | 1.9 | |
First Wort | 0.2 | 0.95 | 4.08 | 19.05 | 0.53 | |
Flavor | 0.09 | 3.48 | 1.82 | 69.57 | 0.75 | |
Hop Stand | 0.68 | 3.4 | 13.62 | 68.08 | 1.21 | |
Hopback | 0.43 | 2.5 | 8.7 | 50 | 1.34 | |
Whirlpool | 0.06 | 5.99 | 1.24 | 119.83 | 1.49 | |
American Pale Ale Total | 0.06 | 7.73 | 1.24 | 154.61 | 1.32 | |
Double IPA | Aroma | 0.65 | 4.99 | 13.02 | 99.86 | 1.47 |
Bittering | 0.68 | 4.09 | 13.62 | 81.7 | 1.48 | |
Dry Hop | 0.37 | 8.99 | 7.49 | 179.74 | 2.32 | |
First Wort | 0.27 | 1.36 | 5.45 | 27.23 | 0.92 | |
Flavor | 0.19 | 12.08 | 3.74 | 241.59 | 1.47 | |
Whirlpool | 0.27 | 12.08 | 5.45 | 241.59 | 2.14 | |
Double IPA Total | 0.19 | 12.08 | 3.74 | 241.59 | 1.92 | |
American Light Lager | Aroma | 0.4 | 3.18 | 8 | 63.64 | 1.12 |
Bittering | 0.04 | 1.58 | 0.86 | 31.56 | 0.74 | |
Dry Hop | 0.63 | 7.49 | 12.5 | 149.78 | 2.18 | |
First Wort | 0.17 | 1.36 | 3.33 | 27.23 | 0.4 | |
Flavor | 0.21 | 1.59 | 4.28 | 31.7 | 0.76 | |
Whirlpool | 0.3 | 7.5 | 5.99 | 150 | 1.89 | |
American Light Lager Total | 0.04 | 7.5 | 0.86 | 150 | 1.43 |
*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.
Hop Companions: Who Plays Well with El Dorado?
El Dorado’s a social butterfly in the hop world. It loves to party with Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe. Think of them as the Avengers of hops – each bringing their own superpowers to the mix.
Try this combo in your next IPA:
- 2 oz El Dorado
- 1 oz Citra
- 1 oz Mosaic
Boom! Tropical fruit explosion in your mouth.
For a more classic twist, pair El Dorado with Cascade or Amarillo. It’s like peanut butter and jelly – a match made in hop heaven. Just better cause it’s beer. You might want to also use some proper bittering power. Like Galena or Nugget.
What to do When El Dorado Goes Missing
Can’t find El Dorado? Don’t panic! There are plenty of fish in the sea… er, hops in the field.
Try these substitutes:
- Amarillo: Brings similar citrus notes
- Citra: Offers that tropical fruit punch
- Nelson Sauvin: Adds a unique white wine character
Mix and match these bad boys to recreate that El Dorado magic. Remember, brewing’s all about experimentation. Who knows? You might stumble upon your new favorite hop combo!
The Homebrewer’s Corner: Experimenting with El Dorado
Ready to spice up your homebrew game? El Dorado hops are your ticket to flavor town. Let’s dive into some fun ways to use this fruity powerhouse in your next brew day adventure.
The Art of Homebrewing Hoppiness
Got a hop addiction? El Dorado’s got your back. This little green gem packs a punch with 13-17% alpha acids. Perfect for bittering or aroma, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of hops. Try dry-hopping your IPA with a handful of El Dorado.
You’ll get a burst of tropical fruit that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Want to go bold? Toss in some El Dorado during the last 5 minutes of the boil. It’ll give your beer a juicy kick that screams “drink me!” Don’t be shy – experiment with different amounts and timing. Your perfect brew is waiting to be discovered.
Wacky Brews and Bold Moves
Time to get weird! El Dorado’s not just for IPAs. Why not try a fruit beer? Pair it with real pineapple for a tropical explosion. Or go nuts with a hoppy wheat beer. El Dorado’s bitterness won’t overpower the delicate wheat flavors if you hop gently..
Feeling brave? How about an El Dorado single-hop ale?
It’s like a hop masterclass in a glass. Or mix it up with Cascade for a citrus bomb. Just remember – El Dorado’s a showoff. Use it sparingly in blends or it’ll steal the spotlight.
Ready to brew? Grab some El Dorado and let your creativity run wild. Who knows? You might just create the next craft beer sensation right in your garage.
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
