Helga Hops and Beer Styles it is Best for: A Hilarious Hop-Tastrophe in Brewing

Reading Time: around 14 min

Helga hops are the Aussie darling of the brewing world, bringing a touch of Down Under charm to your beer. These versatile little cones pack a punch with their unique flavor profile. Helga hops work best in malt-driven ales and lagers.

Where their delicate floral and spicy notes can shine without overpowering the brew.

Ever wondered what it’s like to dance with a hop from the land of kangaroos and koalas? Helga’s got moves that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha. With its pleasant, noble characteristics, this hop is like the laid-back cousin of Hallertau Mittelfrüher.

It’s forgiving nature means you can toss it in at any stage of brewing…

…and still end up with a ripper of a beer.

Ready to take your brewing skills to the next level? Helga’s here to help you hop to it! Whether you’re whipping up a crisp lager or a hearty ale, this Aussie hop will add just the right amount of zing to keep things interesting.

So I’d say grab your brewing gear and let’s get hopping with Helga!

The problem is, it’s very difficult to find, but let’s give some homage to this beauty!

Key Takeaways

Helga hops offer a unique blend of floral and spicy notes perfect for malt-driven beers
You can use Helga hops at any stage of brewing due to their forgiving nature
Helga’s versatility makes it a great choice for both ales and lagers

A Scent-sational Affair: Helga’s Aroma Profile

Get ready for a nose-tickling adventure! Helga hops bring a bouquet of aromas that’ll make your nostrils dance with joy. Let’s sniff out what makes this Aussie hop so special.

Flower Power and Spicy Whispers

Close your eyes and take a whiff. Ah, there it is! Helga’s floral notes hit you first, like a gentle breeze in a spring garden. But wait, what’s that? A spicy kick sneaks up on you, adding depth to the aroma. It’s like your nose is doing the tango…

…with a bouquet of flowers sprinkled with exotic spices.

This combo is perfect for your next brew. Want to add a touch of elegance to your beer? Helga’s got your back. Toss her in during the late boil or dry hopping stage, and watch the magic happen. Your beer will thank you with a refined, noble character.

The one that’ll make you feel fancy even in your pajamas.

Citrus Circus and Berried Treasures

But Helga’s not done yet! She’s got more tricks up her sleeve. As you keep sniffing, you might catch a hint of citrus. It’s not in-your-face like some rowdy American hops, but more of a subtle wink.

And what’s that? Is it… strawberries? You bet!

Some brewers swear they can smell a touch of berry sweetness in Helga. It’s like she packed a tiny fruit basket in each cone. This fruity twist makes Helga a versatile player in your hop lineup. She can add a touch of complexity to your lagers or a fruity whisper to your ales.

From Noble to Novel: The Aroma Evolution

Helga’s got a proud family tree, tracing her roots back to the noble Hallertau Mittelfrüher hop. But she’s no carbon copy of her ancestors. Australian breeders gave her a unique twist, creating an aroma profile that’s both familiar and fresh.

You’ll still get those classic noble hop vibes.

Think herbal whispers and earthy undertones.

But Helga brings her own flair to the party. She’s like that cool cousin who studied abroad and came back with new stories to tell. Use her in your traditional European styles for a modern twist, or throw her in an Aussie pale ale to honor her homeland.

Either way, Helga’s aroma will make your brew stand out from the crowd.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Aroma
Aromas: Noble, Spicy, Floral, Herbal
Notes: Strawberry, Citrus
Alpha-acids: 5.4% – 7.3% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 5.0% – 7.0% [bitterness added through maturation]
Cohumulone: 20% – 23% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 0.6 – 1.0 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 1% – 13% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 35% – 55% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 10% – 15% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]

Bitter Truths and Alpha Acid Antics

Buckle up, hop heads! We’re about to dive into the wild world of Helga hops.

Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through alpha acids, beta acids, and oils galore.

Not Your Average Alpha

Helga’s not your typical hop, folks. She’s got an alpha acid content that’ll make your taste buds dance. With levels ranging from 5.4% to 7.3%, Helga’s bitterness is like a gentle slap in the face. Just enough to wake you up, but not enough to knock you out.

Want to brew a beer that’s got bite without the bark? Helga’s your gal. She’s perfect for pale ales and IPAs that need a little oomph. Toss her in at the start of your boil, and watch the magic happen.

But here’s a pro tip: don’t overdo it.

Helga’s bitterness can sneak up on you faster than a ninja in socks.

Beta Better Have My Money

Now, let’s talk beta acids. Helga’s packing 5.0% to 7.0% of these bad boys.

What does that mean for you? Stability, baby!

Beta acids are like Helga’s secret weapon. They break down slowly over time, adding a subtle bitterness that keeps your beer tasting fresh longer. It’s like having a tiny hop fairy guarding your brew.

Want to age your beer? Helga’s got your back. Her beta acids will keep working their magic long after you’ve sealed that bottle. Just remember: with great beta comes great responsibility.

Use Helga wisely, and she’ll reward you with a beer that stays tasty for months.

Cohumulone Complexity

Now, let’s chat about cohumulone, the little rascal that gives bitterness its bite. Higher levels of cohumulone can make a hop seem sharper, more intense. But rumor has it, Helga’s got a low cohumulone content at 20-23%.

Meaning the bitterness is smoother than your best one-liners.

Imagine bitterness without the scowl, more of a cheeky grin. It’s the difference between a slap in the face and a playful nudge. With Helga, you get that friendly nudge, nudging your beer from good to great with a wink and a smile.

The Total Oil Showdown

Hold onto your steins, because Helga’s total oil content is about to blow your mind. Clocking in at 0.6 to 1.0 mL per 100 grams, she’s not messing around.

These oils are what give Helga her unique flavor and aroma. Think citrus with a spicy kick – like a lemon doing the cha-cha on your tongue.

Helga’s oils make her a knockout in late additions and dry hopping. Want a beer that smells like a fruit basket had a wild night out? Helga’s your hop.

But be warned: too much of a good thing can be, well, too much. Use Helga sparingly in your aroma additions, unless you want your beer to smell like you fell face-first into an orange grove.

Styles on Styles: Helga’s Beer Ballet

Helga hops are the chameleons of the brewing world, ready to dance with a variety of beer styles. Let’s explore how this versatile hop can spice up your favorite brews.

Lager Love Affair

Helga’s noble heritage shines in lagers.

You’ll find its subtle floral and spicy notes elevating your crisp pilsners and smooth Helles. Want to brew a killer Vienna lager? Helga’s got your back. Its refined character won’t overpower but will add that perfect touch of complexity.

Try dry-hopping with Helga in your next lager. You’ll be amazed at the delicate aroma it imparts. It’s like a gentle breeze through a hop field – refreshing and oh-so-inviting.

Ale Escapades: IPAs and More

Don’t let Helga’s lager roots fool you – this hop can hang with the ale crowd too! In IPAs, Helga brings a unique twist. Its spicy notes play well with citrusy American hops, creating a flavor symphony in your glass.

For a killer combo, pair Helga with Citra or Mosaic. The result? An IPA that’s both familiar and intriguingly different. Your taste buds won’t know what hit ’em!

Crisp Pilsners to Sturdy Stouts

Helga’s versatility really shines across the beer spectrum. In pilsners, it adds a classic noble hop character that’ll transport you straight to a German biergarten.

But here’s where it gets fun – toss some Helga into your stout! Its subtle spiciness can add depth to roasty flavors. It’s like adding a secret ingredient to grandma’s chocolate cake recipe.

Saison’s Greetings: A Spicy Surplus

Saison brewers, listen up! Helga is your new best friend. Its spicy notes complement saison yeast perfectly, creating a flavor explosion in your farmhouse ale.

Try a late addition of Helga in your next saison batch. The result? A beer with layers of complexity that’ll keep you coming back for more. It’s like a flavor party, and everyone’s invited!

The Art of Brewing With Helga

Ready to dive into the world of Helga hops? Get ready for a wild ride through floral fields and spicy surprises. This hop’s got tricks up its sleeve that’ll make your beer sing.

Tossing Helga Into the Boil

Picture this: You’re standing over your kettle, Helga hops in hand. What’s your move? For bittering, toss in about 0.5-1 oz per 5 gallons at the start of the boil. Helga’s got a gentle touch, perfect for those malt-forward lagers you’ve been dreaming about.

Want more flavor? Add another 0.5-1 oz with 15 minutes left.

You’ll get a nice spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds do a little dance.

Remember, Helga’s no prima donna. She plays well with others, so don’t be shy about mixing her up with some other hop varieties. She’d have become your BBF – brewing best friend.

As the Kettle Whistles: Dry Hop Dynamo

Now, let’s talk dry hopping. Helga’s not just a one-trick pony.

She’s got some serious aroma game too.

For a nice floral punch, add 1-2 oz per 5 gallons during fermentation. Give it about 3-5 days to work its magic. Your beer will thank you with a bouquet that’ll make your nose do backflips.

Want to go wild? Try a double dry hop. Add 1 oz during active fermentation and another 1 oz a few days before packaging. It’s like a Helga party in your fermenter!

Mastering the Helga Blend: Recipe Rendezvous

When brewing with Helga, think ‘Goldilocks volumes’ – not too much, not too little. Helga’s not too keen on hogging the spotlight. You want to aim for balance, where Helga supports but doesn’t steal the show.

It’s about casting the right amount to create that harmonious ensemble of herbal and floral tones. So as you ponder your brewing recipe, ask yourself, “Would I want this much Helga at my party?”

Time to put it all together. Here are some ideas.

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 Pale Ale	Aroma	0.09	0.4	0.45	2	0.17
	Bittering	0.09	0.22	0.45	1.1	0.16
	Dry Hop	0.09	0.18	0.45	0.91	0.15
	First Wort	0.18	0.18	0.91	0.91	0.18
	Flavor	0.09	0.2	0.45	1	0.14
	Whirlpool	0.1	0.1	0.5	0.5	0.1
American Pale Ale Total		0.09	0.4	0.45	2	0.15
American IPA	Aroma	0.09	0.18	0.45	0.91	0.12
	Bittering	0.25	0.25	1.27	1.27	0.25
	Dry Hop	0.18	0.2	0.91	1	0.19
	Flavor	0.1	0.27	0.5	1.36	0.17
American IPA Total		0.09	0.27	0.45	1.36	0.17
Belgian Pale Ale	Aroma	0.1	0.39	0.5	1.97	0.29
	Bittering	0.2	0.2	0.98	0.98	0.2
	First Wort	0.2	0.2	1	1	0.2
	Flavor	0.1	0.12	0.5	0.58	0.11
Belgian Pale Ale Total		0.1	0.39	0.5	1.97	0.21
International Pale Lager	Aroma	0.22	0.22	1.09	1.09	0.22
	Bittering	0.06	0.13	0.31	0.64	0.1
	Dry Hop	0.16	0.16	0.79	0.79	0.16
	Hopback	0.06	0.06	0.32	0.32	0.06
	Whirlpool	0.19	0.19	0.93	0.95	0.19
International Pale Lager Total		0.06	0.22	0.31	1.09	0.14
Fruit Beer	Aroma	0.18	0.18	0.91	0.91	0.18
	Bittering	0.14	0.18	0.68	0.91	0.17
	Flavor	0.14	0.18	0.68	0.91	0.16
Fruit Beer Total		0.14	0.18	0.68	0.91	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
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.68	3	13.62	59.91	1.31
	Bittering	0.68	1.65	13.62	32.95	1.19
	Dry Hop	0.68	1.36	13.62	27.23	1.13
	First Wort	1.36	1.36	27.23	27.23	1.36
	Flavor	0.68	1.5	13.62	29.96	1.02
	Whirlpool	0.75	0.75	14.98	14.98	0.75
American Pale Ale Total		0.68	3	13.62	59.91	1.15
American IPA	Aroma	0.68	1.36	13.62	27.23	0.93
	Bittering	1.9	1.9	38.1	38.1	1.9
	Dry Hop	1.36	1.5	27.23	29.96	1.41
	Flavor	0.75	2.04	14.98	40.85	1.25
American IPA Total		0.68	2.04	13.62	40.85	1.27
Belgian Pale Ale	Aroma	0.75	2.95	14.98	58.95	2.22
	Bittering	1.47	1.47	29.47	29.47	1.47
	First Wort	1.5	1.5	29.96	29.96	1.5
	Flavor	0.75	0.87	14.98	17.39	0.81
Belgian Pale Ale Total		0.75	2.95	14.98	58.95	1.61
International Pale Lager	Aroma	1.63	1.63	32.56	32.56	1.63
	Bittering	0.47	0.95	9.3	19.05	0.71
	Dry Hop	1.19	1.19	23.81	23.81	1.19
	Hopback	0.48	0.48	9.52	9.52	0.48
	Whirlpool	1.4	1.43	27.91	28.57	1.42
International Pale Lager Total		0.47	1.63	9.3	32.56	1.08
Fruit Beer	Aroma	1.36	1.36	27.23	27.23	1.36
	Bittering	1.02	1.36	20.42	27.23	1.25
	Flavor	1.02	1.36	20.42	27.23	1.19
Fruit Beer Total		1.02	1.36	20.42	27.23	1.26

*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.

And here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Helga’s Helles

90% Pilsner malt
10% Munich malt
Mash at 152°F
60-minute boil
0.5 oz Helga at 60 minutes
0.5 oz Helga at 15 minutes
1 oz Helga dry hop for 3 days

This recipe will give you a crisp, clean lager with a subtle floral and spicy kick.

It’s like summer in a glass!

Remember, brewing with Helga is all about balance. She’s not here to steal the show, but to make everything else shine brighter. So go ahead, give Helga a whirl. Your taste buds will thank you!

Substitute Teacher: Finding Helga’s Doppelgangers

Looking for Helga’s stand-ins? Don’t fret! There’s a whole class of hops ready to step in and save your brew day. Let’s explore some top-notch understudies that can capture Helga’s essence in your next beer adventure.

Recapturing the Aroma without Helga

When Helga plays hooky, you’ve got options! Hallertau Mittelfrüh is your go-to understudy. This German superstar brings a similar floral and spicy kick to the party. Want to keep it down under?

Grab some Galaxy hops – they’ll add a fruity twist to your brew.

Feeling adventurous? Try Saaz for a more floral-herbal vibe. It’s like Helga’s quirky cousin who studied abroad. And don’t forget about good ol’ Cascade. This American charmer can pinch-hit with its citrusy notes.

Remember, mixing and matching is half the fun.

You might stumble upon a flavor combo that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!

Betraying Bitterness: Finding a Bittering Buddy

Helga’s not just a pretty face – she’s got bite too! But fear not, there are plenty of hops ready to step up to the bittering plate. Northern Brewer is your trusty sidekick here. It’ll give you that clean bitterness without stealing the show.

Want to crank it up a notch? Columbus is your wild child. It’ll slap your taste buds awake and leave them begging for more. For a smoother ride, hop on the Magnum train. It’s like bitter in stealth mode – you won’t see it coming, but you’ll sure taste it!

Mix it up with a dash of Centennial for a citrusy twist.

It’s like adding a lemon wedge to your bitter beer cocktail. Yum!

What Are The Best Companions To Complement

Helga plays well with others, and so should her stand-ins! Pair Hallertau Mittelfrüh with Saaz for a classic European duet. It’s like a beer waltz in your mouth!

Feeling funky? Toss in some Simcoe with your Cascade. It’s a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha. For a fruit salad in a glass, try Galaxy with Mosaic. It’s like a tropical vacation for your palate.

Don’t be afraid to go off-script.

Amarillo and Centennial make a zesty power couple. And for a real wild card, throw some Nelson Sauvin into the mix. It’s like inviting a wine enthusiast to your beer party – unexpected, but oh so fun!

Wrapping Up and Conclusions About Helga

Helga hops are like that cool cousin from down under. They bring a touch of European class with an Aussie twist. Think floral notes with a hint of spice – perfect for your next brew adventure!

Want to make a malty ale or lager? Helga’s got your back. She plays nice with others, adding just the right amount of flavor without stealing the show.

Here’s a fun fact: Helga used to go by “Southern Hallertau.” Fancy, right?

But don’t let that fool you – she’s as easy-going as they come.

Try Helga in:

Saisons
Munich Helles
Helles Bock
Rauchbier

Sadly, Helga retired in 2017. But fear not! You can still find her spirit in Hallertau Mittelfrüh.

Remember, brewing with Helga is like dancing – it’s all about timing. Add her early, late, or even dry hop. She’ll make your beer sing no matter what!

So if you found them grab some Helga and get brewing. Your taste buds will thank you, and your friends will wonder about your secret hop superpower!

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