Enigma Hops: A Hoppy Mystery Tour for Beer Nerds

Reading Time: around 14 min

Enigma hops are like that mysterious new kid in school – everyone’s curious, but no one quite knows what to make of them. These Australian-bred beauties burst onto the brewing scene with a flavor profile that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Enigma hops shine in IPAs, pale ales, and even stouts.

Adding a unique blend of tropical fruit, berry, and white wine notes to your brew.

Want to impress your beer-loving buddies? Grab some Enigma hops and whip up a fruity IPA that’ll have them begging for your secret recipe. These versatile little cones work wonders in late additions and dry hopping.

Letting their complex aromas take center stage. And don’t worry about bitterness. Enigma’s high alpha acid content makes sure you’ll get plenty. But better watch out, since it can be harsher than your mother in law.

Ready to unleash your inner mad scientist?

Try pairing Enigma with other hop varieties like Amarillo or Galaxy for a flavor explosion that’ll knock your socks off. Just remember, a little goes a long way – you don’t want to end up with a beer that tastes like you fell face-first into a fruit salad.

Key Takeaways

Enigma hops add tropical fruit, berry, and white wine flavors to beer
They work best in IPAs, pale ales, and stouts as late additions or dry hops
Pairing Enigma with other hop varieties can create unique flavor combinations

The Mysterious Enigma: Unraveling the Hop

Ever heard of a hop that keeps you guessing? Meet Enigma, the Aussie superstar that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. This hop variety is as mysterious as its name suggests.

Enigma burst onto the scene in 2013, courtesy of those clever folks at Hop Products Australia. They mixed Swiss Tettnang with some North American hops and voila! A new hop sensation was born.

You’ll love Enigma’s unique flavor profile.

It’s like biting into a juicy fruit salad with hints of red currant, raspberry, and tropical fruits. But the fun doesn’t end there. Ah most certainly not. You might also catch whiffs of pinot gris and light spice.

So brewers, listen up. Enigma is your go-to for late additions and dry hopping. It’ll make your pale ales and IPAs sing. But don’t stop there – this versatile hop can jazz up your stouts and porters too.

Want to know a secret? Enigma’s got a high alpha acid content.

That means it’ll add plenty of bitterness to your brew if you’re not careful.

So next time you’re feeling adventurous, grab some Enigma hops. Your beer will thank you, and your taste buds will be in for a wild ride. Cheers to brewing with a bit of mystery.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Aroma (despite high alpha-acids)
Aromas: Raspberry, Red Currant, Melon, Passion Fruit, White Wine
Notes: Herbal, Camomile, Spicy, Citrus, Stone Fruit, Pinot Grigio
Alpha-acids: 13.5% – 19.5% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 4.5% – 7.5% [bitterness added through maturation]
Cohumulone: 37% – 43% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 1.8 – 3.5 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 23% – 30% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 12% – 19% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 6% – 8% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 9% – 12% [fresh, green, floral]

Aromatic Adventures: Enigma’s Flavor and Aroma Profile

Enigma hops pack a punch of complex flavors and aromas that’ll make your taste buds dance. Get ready for a wild ride through a jungle of fruity goodness and vinous vibes.

Tropical Delights and Berried Treasures

Picture yourself on a tropical island, sipping a beer bursting with juicy flavors. That’s Enigma for you! These hops bring a party of tropical fruits to your glass. You’ll catch whiffs of ripe melon and passion fruit that’ll transport you straight to paradise.

But wait, there’s more. Enigma doesn’t stop at tropics. It’s got a berry-licious side too. Imagine biting into a handful of fresh raspberries and red currants. That tangy sweetness? It’s all there in your brew.

Your beer will be a fruit salad in liquid form.

Each sip is like a treasure hunt, revealing new flavor gems with every gulp.

Wine Not: Vinous Echoes in Enigma

Ever dreamed of a beer that thinks it’s wine? Enigma makes that dream come true. These hops bring a distinct white wine character to your brew. It’s like your beer went to finishing school and came back all fancy.

You’ll notice hints of Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling dancing on your tongue.

It’s not just any old grape juice vibe – we’re talking crisp, refined notes…

…that’ll make wine snobs do a double-take.

This unique quality makes Enigma perfect for bridging the gap between beer and wine lovers. Who knows? You might just convert a few wine enthusiasts to the hoppy side!

A Sweet Melody of Stone Fruit and Citrus

Enigma hops are like a fruit orchestra, and stone fruits are the lead singers. Think ripe peaches and apricots harmonizing in your glass. It’s a sweet symphony that’ll have you humming with delight.

But what’s a good tune without some zing? That’s where the citrus notes come in. Enigma adds subtle hints of lemon and lime, giving your beer a refreshing twist. It’s like a squeeze of sunshine in every sip.

This combo of stone fruit sweetness and citrus zip creates a balanced flavor profile that’ll keep you coming back for more. Your taste buds will thank you for this fruity fiesta.

Bitterness and Beyond: Alpha Acids, Beta Acids, and IBU

Ready to dive into the bitter world of Enigma hops? Buckle up, hop-head.

Enigma’s alpha acid content is no joke, ranging from 13.5-19.5%. That’s some serious bittering power! And those numbers should scare you off. Because of high AA and cohumulone they work as the secret agents of your brew.

Working undercover to balance out sweetness.

Beta acids? Enigma’s got ’em too, but they’re the shy kids at the hop party. They hang back at 4.5-7.5%, adding a subtle complexity to your beer’s flavor profile.

Now, let’s talk IBUs. With Enigma, you can crank up the bitterness to 11 (or more like 60-80 IBUs) if you’re feeling wild. But remember, IBUs are just numbers. Your taste buds are the real judges here. So be careful with those bad boys.

Enigma’s total oil content ranges from respectable 1.8 to a whopping 3.5 ml/100g. These oils are like the DJ of your beer, mixing up a funky aroma that’ll make your nose dance.

Myrcene: The life of the party
Humulene: The smooth operator
Caryophyllene: The spicy sidekick
Farnesene: The floral friend

Want to use Enigma hops like a pro? Try them in IPAs, pale ales, or even a funky saison. They’ll add a unique twist that’ll make your beer stand out from the crowd.

The Ideal Match: Beer Styles Suited for Enigma

Enigma hops are a real chameleon in the brewing world. They can add a touch of magic to various beer styles, from hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers. Let’s explore how this versatile hop can spice up your favorite brews.

The IPA Implication: Crafty Combinations

IPAs and Enigma? It’s a match made in hop heaven. This Aussie hop brings a tropical fruit punch to your IPA game. Think passion fruit, raspberries, and a hint of redcurrant. Yum!

Want to make your taste buds dance? Try dry-hopping with Enigma. It’ll give your IPA a fruity aroma that’ll have you sniffing your glass like a wine connoisseur.

But don’t stop there! Pair Enigma with other hop varieties for a flavor explosion. Amarillo and Enigma? They’re like the dynamic duo of the hop world. Your IPA will thank you.

Pale Ale Panache: Smooth and Subtle

Looking to brew a pale ale that’s not too in-your-face? Enigma’s got your back. It adds a subtle fruitiness that won’t overpower your brew.

Try using Enigma for late hop additions. You’ll get a gentle flavor boost without turning your pale ale into a bitter bomb. It’s like adding a dash of mystery to your beer without going full Sherlock Holmes.

Want to get fancy? Use Enigma in combination with classic pale ale hops like Cascade. It’s like giving your old recipe a trendy makeover. Your taste buds won’t know what hit ’em.

Lager Love: When Yeast Meets Enigma

Who says lagers have to be boring? Not with Enigma in the mix.

This hop can add a fruity twist to your crisp, clean lager.

Try dry-hopping your lager with Enigma. It’ll give it a subtle aroma that’ll make your drinking buddies go, “Hmm, what’s that?”

Remember, a little goes a long way with lagers. Use Enigma sparingly, and you’ll add complexity without overwhelming the delicate lager flavors. It’s like adding a secret ingredient to your grandma’s recipe – just don’t tell her!

Stout Strategies: Bold and Beautiful

Stouts and Enigma? It’s not as crazy as it sounds.

This hop can add a fruity counterpoint to your roasty, toasty stout.

Try using Enigma in a milk stout. The hop’s berry notes will play nicely with the sweet, creamy flavors. It’s like having your dessert and drinking it too.

Don’t go overboard, though. A little Enigma can complement your stout’s richness. Too much, and you’ll end up with a fruity mess. It’s all about balance, like trying to walk after a few pints of your new Enigma stout.

Hop to It: The Brewing Process with Enigma

Ready to unlock the mystery of Enigma hops in your brew? Let’s dive into the magical journey of transforming these little green cones into liquid gold. You’ll be amazed at how Enigma shines at every stage of the brewing process.

The Boil: Bitterness and Beyond

Kick off your Enigma adventure in the boil. These Aussie beauties pack a punch with their 13.5-19.5% alpha acids. For a balanced bitterness, add less than 0.5 to 0.75 oz if you’re brave (14-21g) per 5 gallons at the start of your 60-minute boil.

But don’t go overboard! Enigma’s true charm lies in its late additions.

Want to preserve those fruity notes? Toss in another 0.5 oz (14g) with 10 minutes left. You’ll get a hint of bitterness and a teaser of the tropical goodness to come. Remember, a little goes a long way with these enigmatic fellows.

Whirlpool Wonders: Extracting Essence

Time to make some waves in the whirlpool. This is where Enigma really struts its stuff. As your wort cools to around 170°F (77°C), add 1-2 oz (28-56g) of Enigma.

Let it swirl for 15-20 minutes. You’re extracting those juicy flavors without the harsh bitterness. Imagine raspberries doing the cha-cha with white wine grapes. That’s the magic happening in your kettle right now.

Fermentation Follies: Flavors in Formation

As your yeast gets to work, Enigma takes a backseat but doesn’t clock out. Those hop oils are mingling with yeast byproducts, creating new flavor compounds. It’s like a secret party in your fermenter.

Keep the temperature steady, usually around 68°F (20°C) for ales. This helps Enigma’s fruity character shine without any funky off-flavors crashing the bash.

Dry Hop Dazzles: Aroma Amplification

Ready for the grand finale? Dry hopping is where Enigma becomes the star of the show. About 3-5 days before bottling, add 2 or maybe even 3 oz (56-84g) directly to your fermenter.

For a real flavor explosion, try a double dry hop.

Add half 3 days before bottling, then the other half 1-2 days later. You’ll get a burst of red currant, tropical fruit, and that signature “rock melon” aroma. It’s almost too good.

Remember, Enigma pellets can be a bit powdery. Use a hop sock or be prepared for a slightly cloudy brew. But trust me, that haze is worth every sip of berry-licious goodness.

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	0.03	0.67	0.17	3.34	0.19
	Bittering	0.05	0.25	0.23	1.25	0.13
	Dry Hop	0.06	1.78	0.29	8.9	0.38
	Flavor	0.04	0.25	0.18	1.25	0.13
	Whirlpool	0.05	0.89	0.25	4.45	0.27
American IPA Total		0.03	1.78	0.17	8.9	0.25
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.03	0.67	0.13	3.33	0.17
	Bittering	0.02	0.06	0.08	0.29	0.04
	Dry Hop	0.06	0.67	0.3	3.33	0.27
	Flavor	0.03	0.17	0.15	0.87	0.09
	Whirlpool	0.06	0.6	0.32	3	0.19
American Pale Ale Total		0.02	0.67	0.08	3.33	0.19
New England IPA	Aroma	0.04	0.4	0.2	2	0.18
	Dry Hop	0.06	1.07	0.29	5.34	0.31
	Flavor	0.06	0.2	0.32	1	0.12
	Hop Stand	0.06	0.25	0.32	1.24	0.16
	Whirlpool	0.06	0.6	0.31	3	0.25
New England IPA Total		0.04	1.07	0.2	5.34	0.25
Saison	Aroma	0.05	0.36	0.24	1.82	0.13
	Bittering	0.03	0.11	0.17	0.57	0.07
	Dry Hop	0.05	0.67	0.24	3.34	0.27
	Flavor	0.05	0.1	0.24	0.5	0.07
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.49	0.2	2.44	0.23
Saison Total		0.03	0.67	0.17	3.34	0.15
Double IPA	Aroma	0.04	0.42	0.19	2.12	0.17
	Bittering	–	0.08	0.02	0.42	0.02
	Dry Hop	0.16	0.63	0.79	3.17	0.39
	Flavor	0.02	0.06	0.12	0.32	0.04
	Whirlpool	0.17	0.69	0.83	3.43	0.39
Double IPA Total		–	0.69	0.02	3.43	0.21

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	0.26	5	5.22	100	1.4
	Bittering	0.35	1.87	6.99	37.33	0.97
	Dry Hop	0.43	13.33	8.7	266.67	2.86
	Flavor	0.27	1.87	5.35	37.33	0.95
	Whirlpool	0.38	6.67	7.5	133.33	2.01
American IPA Total		0.26	13.33	5.22	266.67	1.91
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.2	4.99	4	99.86	1.28
	Bittering	0.12	0.44	2.4	8.77	0.28
	Dry Hop	0.45	4.99	9.09	99.86	2.05
	Flavor	0.23	1.3	4.55	26.09	0.68
	Whirlpool	0.48	4.49	9.52	89.87	1.45
American Pale Ale Total		0.12	4.99	2.4	99.86	1.39
New England IPA	Aroma	0.3	3	6.09	59.91	1.35
	Dry Hop	0.43	8	8.56	160	2.29
	Flavor	0.48	1.5	9.52	30	0.86
	Hop Stand	0.48	1.85	9.62	37.04	1.17
	Whirlpool	0.46	4.49	9.26	89.87	1.91
New England IPA Total		0.3	8	6	160	1.91
Saison	Aroma	0.36	2.72	7.2	54.47	0.96
	Bittering	0.25	0.86	5	17.14	0.56
	Dry Hop	0.36	5	7.2	100	2.01
	Flavor	0.36	0.75	7.2	14.98	0.49
	Whirlpool	0.3	3.65	6	73.04	1.69
Saison Total		0.25	5	5	100	1.15
Double IPA	Aroma	0.29	3.18	5.71	63.57	1.29
	Bittering	0.04	0.62	0.71	12.48	0.18
	Dry Hop	1.19	4.75	23.81	95	2.92
	Flavor	0.18	0.48	3.57	9.52	0.33
	Whirlpool	1.25	5.14	24.96	102.86	2.9
Double IPA Total		0.04	5.14	0.71	102.86	1.55

*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.

The Brewer’s Palette: Crafting the Perfect Enigma Blend

Ready to unleash your inner hop wizard? Grab your brewer’s hat and let’s dive into the enigmatic world of Enigma hops.

These little green cones pack a punch of tropical goodness. Think passion fruit and melon having a dance party in your glass. Yum!

When brewing with Enigma, you’ve got options:

Late additions: Perfect for preserving those delicate aromas
Dry hopping: Get ready for a fruit explosion
Bittering: Use sparingly, unless you want your taste buds to go on strike

Here’s a quick and dirty recipe to get you started:

Base malt: Pale ale (80%)
Supporting cast: Wheat malt (15%) and Caramunich (5%)
Hops: Enigma all the way, baby!

Dry hop like there’s no tomorrow. Your nose will thank you later.

Want to get fancy? Try pairing Enigma with:

El Dorado: For a tropical fruit salad in a glass
Vic Secret: Because two Aussie hops are better than one

Remember, brewing with Enigma is like solving a tasty puzzle. Each batch is a new adventure. So grab your kettle and let’s make some beer magic.

Cousins and Crossbreeds: Enigma’s Hop Family Tree

Enigma hops didn’t sprout from thin air. This Aussie superstar has quite the family tree. With roots stretching across continents and branches reaching for the stars.

Galaxy and Friends: Stellar Relations

You might think Enigma and Galaxy are long-lost twins. Both hail from Down Under and pack a fruity punch that’ll make your taste buds dance. But while Enigma brings red berries to the party, Galaxy’s all about those tropical vibes.

Imagine sharing a pint with these two – it’d be like sipping a fruit salad. Don’t forget their cool cousin Vic Secret, another Aussie hop that’ll add a pineapple twist to your brew. These three could start a hop boy band.

And trust me, you’d buy tickets.

Bines of Distinction: Noble Lineages

Bet you didn’t see this coming – Enigma’s got some fancy European roots. One of its parents is the oh-so-proper Tettnanger hop. But here’s the plot twist – it’s a Swiss one. It’s like Enigma went to finishing school before heading to the beach.

This Swiss connection gives Enigma a touch of class, balancing out its wild side. Think of it as the hop equivalent of wearing a tuxedo t-shirt to a barbecue. Classy, but still ready to party.

A Leap Across the Pond: American Cousins

Enigma’s family reunion wouldn’t be complete without its American cousins crashing the party. While not direct relatives, hops like Cascade, Amarillo, and Mosaic share Enigma’s love for bold flavors. It’s like they all went to the same summer camp…

…and learned to make beer awesome.

When you toss Enigma in with these Yanks, you’re in for a hop explosion that’ll make your IPA sing. Just imagine Enigma and Mosaic arm-wrestling while Cascade cheers them on – that’s the kind of fun you’re brewing up!

Hide and Seek: Looking for Enigma Substitutes

But what if you can’t get your hands on this Aussie gem?

No worries, mate! Galaxy hops can step in as a solid stand-in. They’ll bring that tropical fruit punch you’re after. Nelson Sauvin is another top-notch substitute, offering those white wine vibes Enigma’s known for.

But why settle for one when you can have a hop party? Enigma plays well with others. Try replacing it with Citra for a tropical explosion in your IPA. Or team up with Mosaic for a berry bonanza in your pale ale.

So go ahead, mix and match. Your brewery is your playground, and Enigma’s your new best friend. Just don’t blame me if you end up with a fridge full of “test batches” that mysteriously disappear.

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