Lemondrop Hops: Picking the Perfect Beer Style for a Zesty Twist

Reading Time: around 15 min

Lemondrop hops swept into the beer world like a zesty summer breeze. Tickling the noses and palates of brewers and beer enthusiasts alike. Imagine squeezing a fresh lemon over your favorite dish. That’s what Lemondrop hops do to a beer.

They’re the citrusy comeback to every bland brew…

…you’ve ever had to endure at a dull backyard barbecue.

These sun-kissed hops are your ticket to creating beers that shine brighter in the flavor department. They hit the scene with a mix of lemon-citrus flair and a hint of cool herbs that could make even a beer skeptic smile.

The alpha acid content hovers between 5-7%, just enough to add a satisfying bite without turning your mouth into the Sahara. With their high myrcene content, they don’t just whisper hints of lemon.

They shout it from the rooftop of your taste buds.

What’s the best stage for these show-stopping hops, you ask?

Think of the beer styles that love to soak up the sun: a snappy American Pale Ale, a bubbly Saison, or maybe a laid-back Wheat Beer. These hops are like the life of the party, but instead of spiking the punch…

…they infuse your brew with a burst of summer no matter the season.

Key Takeaways

Lemondrop hops boast a bright lemon-citrus character complemented by herbal notes.
They’re perfect for Pale Ales, Saisons, and Wheat Beers, adding zest and aroma.
The hop’s balance of alpha and beta acids make it versatile for various brewing techniques.

History and Development of Lemondrop Hops

You’re in for a zesty history lesson, so buckle up! The Lemondrop hop’s history is as bright as its citrusy notes. Equally exciting for beer geeks and homebrewers.

Origination at the Hopsteiner Breeding Program

Hopsteiner, where all the hoppy magic happens, threw the brewing world a curveball with the creation of Lemondrop. Brewed for the first time in 2001, this little gem is the lovechild of a couple of really cool parents.

The popular Cascade and a mysterious USDA 19058 male.

Who knew a government number could taste so good?

Characteristics Derived from USDA 19058 Male

The USDA 19058 male, hereby dubbed “Mister Mystery,” contributed his dashing genetic make-up to give Lemondrop its unique traits. It’s not just a lemon fiesta in your glass.

Expect blasts of herbal tea, a hint of melon, and a whisper of mint.

Here’s the rundown:

Aroma: Lemon zest with a hint of mint and melon
Flavor Profile: A lemony cavalry with green tea on the side
Alpha Acids: 5-7% (oh, how precise for your brewing alchemy)
Beta Acids: Think 4-6% and don’t stress the decimals

With a hop like Lemondrop, your beer gets to be as refreshing as a high-five from Mother Nature herself. It’s no wonder homebrewers can’t get enough of this zesty hero!

Sensory Profile: A Taste of Sunshine

If you’re in the mood for a brew that tickles your taste buds with sun-kissed flavors..

…let’s zoom in on the sensory magic of Lemondrop hops.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Aroma
Aromas: Lemon, Mint, Green Tea
Notes: Melon, Floral, Citrus
Alpha-acids: 5.0% – 7.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 4.0% – 6.0% [bitterness added through maturation]
Cohumulone: 28% – 34% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 1.5 – 2.0 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 40% – 50% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 15% – 20% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 9% – 10% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 6% – 7% [fresh, green, floral]

The Symphony of Lemon, Herbs, and Floral Notes

Imagine a citrus orchestra where lemon leads the charge with its bright, punchy notes. Now, blend in a backdrop of delicate floral tunes and an earthy herbal bassline. Mint and green tea, that is.

That’s the Lemondrop hops for you, famed for their lemon-citrus aroma wafting through the air like summer’s last laugh. You’d notice a twang of fruitiness, perhaps a whisper of light melon, playing second fiddle to the zestier characters.

Aroma: Strong lemon-citrus with herbal-floral touches
Flavor Highlights: Lemon, mint, green tea, melon, herb-like

Understanding the Impact of Beta Acids and Essential Oils

Without getting you tangled in the science vines, just know that beta acids and essential oils in hops are the unsung heroes. Lemondrop’s beta acid range hovers around 4-6%.

Not too aggressive but just enough to add depth to your pint.

Now, examine the total oil content, which packs a delightful mix of myrcene (hello, citrus!), farnesene (a whiff of floral), humulene (earthy grounding), and caryophyllene (a slight spicy kick).

Beta Acids: 4-6%
Total Oil Content: High in myrcene
Essential Oil Tango: Myrcene (citrus), Farnesene (floral hint), Humulene (earthy), Caryophyllene (subtle spice)

This hop’s essential oil profile is a frenzied dance of aromas.

Enough complexity to keep your nose guessing and your palate pleased. So think of Lemondrop hops like a squeeze of sunshine into your glass. Brightening up your day with every sip!

Beer Styles and Lemondrop Pairing

Before diving into our concoctions, it’s crucial to understand that Lemondrop hops are a brewer’s zesty best friend. Injecting a “pucker-up” lemon-citrus zing and brightening up several beer styles.

Get ready to have your taste buds dance with these pairings.

The Quintessential IPA and How Lemondrop Complements It

For your beloved IPA, imagine this. A glass crammed with the tangy burst of lemon zest that smacks your palate like a citrusy high-five. With an aroma that could cut through even the mustiest of basement brew labs.

Think of Lemondrop doing a ballet in your IPA.

Balancing the bitterness with its fruity twirls.

Pale Ale Perfection

Ah, the Pale Ale, the canvas of your brewing masterpiece. You’ll find that a splash of Lemondrop is like the final squeeze of lemon on a culinary delight. It brings out the brightness, complements the malt, and leaves a refreshing aftertaste.

You’re painting your beer with a citrus brush – each sip is a stroke of genius.

Revitalizing Lagers and Pilsners

Who said Lagers and Pilsners had to be boring? Throw in Lemondrop, and suddenly, it’s as if your everyday lager turned into a summery, lemon grove fiesta in your mouth. Your Pilsner just went from “meh” to “more please”.

With that hop character making every gulp a refreshing wave of zesty goodness.

Experimentation with Wheat Beers and Saisons

Dive into the wheaty wonderland with Wheat Beers, and let Lemondrop hops add a spin that’s part sunny lemonade stand, part sophisticated spice rack.

Or get funky with a Saison, where these hops will not just tango but do a full-on limbo under your complex taste demands. One killer combo!

Unique Combinations: Sours and Belgians

And for those walking on the wild side with Sours and Belgians…

…gear up for an adventure.

Lemondrop has a way of peeking through the tartness of sours like a sunbeam through a storm cloud, while it flirts with Belgian yeast. Creating a romance novel-worthy liaison in your pint glass.

Hopping Recommendations

Let’s talk Lemondrop, the zesty hop that’ll make your beer taste like sunshine in a bottle. Minus the UV rays. We’re not just squeezing lemons here; we’re crafting liquid gold!

First up, we’ve got the ever-so-classy American Wheat.

This beer is like that friend who shows up to the BBQ in a Hawaiian shirt and becomes the life of the party. With Lemondrop, your Wheat will be the one wearing sunglasses and telling the best jokes.

Get ready to throw in 1 ounce or tad more of Lemondrop at flameout. Why? Because we want those lemony aromas to waltz into your beer like they own the place. Leaving a trail of citrusy goodness that’ll make your nose throw a party for your brain.

Next, let’s talk about the IPA, the cool kid on the beer block.

Lemondrop in an IPA is like adding a new neon sign to Vegas. It just makes everything more lively. You want your IPA to be the talk of the town? Lemondrop is your hop.

You’re gonna want to go bold on this one.

Toss in 2 ounces of Lemondrop at the last 5 minutes of the boil. This is where the hop flavors do the cha-cha in your brew. Then, because we’re not afraid of a little fun, dry hop with another 2 ounces after fermentation.

This is the encore that’ll have your taste buds on their feet, cheering for an encore.

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	0.89	0.15	4.45	0.19
	Bittering	0.05	0.4	0.23	2	0.19
	Dry Hop	0.01	1.07	0.03	5.34	0.28
	First Wort	0.02	0.18	0.09	0.91	0.12
	Flavor	0.03	1	0.15	5	0.16
	Hop Stand	0.12	0.18	0.58	0.91	0.16
	Hopback	0.04	0.74	0.21	3.68	0.37
	Mash	0.74	0.74	3.71	3.71	0.74
	Whirlpool	0.04	1.05	0.22	5.26	0.29
American IPA Total		0.01	1.07	0.03	5.34	0.24
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.03	0.8	0.13	4	0.2
	Bittering	0.05	0.5	0.25	2.5	0.19
	Dry Hop	–	0.8	0.01	4	0.27
	First Wort	0.03	0.28	0.17	1.38	0.12
	Flavor	0.03	0.5	0.13	2.5	0.15
	Hop Stand	0.05	0.32	0.27	1.59	0.17
	Hopback	0.15	0.36	0.74	1.82	0.26
	Mash	0.21	0.21	1.03	1.03	0.21
	Whirlpool	0.07	0.8	0.33	4	0.26
American Pale Ale Total		–	0.8	0.01	4	0.22
New England IPA	Aroma	0.05	0.52	0.23	2.6	0.2
	Bittering	0.15	0.4	0.76	2	0.2
	Dry Hop	0.03	1.52	0.14	7.59	0.3
	First Wort	0.03	0.3	0.14	1.5	0.17
	Flavor	0.08	0.5	0.42	2.5	0.22
	Hop Stand	0.08	0.2	0.42	1	0.15
	Hopback	0.05	0.13	0.23	0.64	0.09
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.67	0.18	3.33	0.26
New England IPA Total		0.03	1.52	0.14	7.59	0.26
Saison	Aroma	0.01	0.76	0.07	3.81	0.18
	Bittering	0.02	0.45	0.12	2.27	0.17
	Dry Hop	0.05	0.53	0.26	2.67	0.28
	First Wort	0.03	0.2	0.15	1	0.14
	Flavor	0.04	0.4	0.18	2	0.16
	Hop Stand	0.09	0.36	0.45	1.82	0.18
	Hopback	0.18	0.18	0.91	0.91	0.18
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.5	0.18	2.5	0.21
Saison Total		0.01	0.76	0.07	3.81	0.19
Blonde Ale	Aroma	0.03	0.43	0.14	2.17	0.19
	Bittering	0.03	0.27	0.13	1.34	0.14
	Dry Hop	0.07	0.67	0.33	3.34	0.26
	First Wort	0.01	0.05	0.07	0.23	0.03
	Flavor	0.05	0.33	0.23	1.67	0.16
	Whirlpool	0.05	0.51	0.23	2.56	0.21
Blonde Ale Total		0.01	0.67	0.07	3.34	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	0.22	6.67	4.35	133.33	1.41
	Bittering	0.34	3	6.81	59.91	1.45
	Dry Hop	0.05	8	0.96	160	2.12
	First Wort	0.14	1.36	2.72	27.23	0.92
	Flavor	0.22	7.49	4.35	149.78	1.21
	Hop Stand	0.87	1.36	17.39	27.23	1.2
	Hopback	0.32	5.52	6.42	110.37	2.77
	Mash	5.56	5.56	111.11	111.11	5.56
	Whirlpool	0.34	7.88	6.72	157.67	2.2
American IPA Total		0.05	8	0.96	160	1.77
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.2	5.99	4	119.83	1.53
	Bittering	0.37	3.74	7.49	74.89	1.46
	Dry Hop	0.01	5.99	0.2	119.83	2.01
	First Wort	0.25	2.07	5	41.35	0.89
	Flavor	0.2	3.74	4	74.89	1.16
	Hop Stand	0.4	2.38	8	47.62	1.27
	Hopback	1.11	2.72	22.19	54.47	1.92
	Mash	1.54	1.54	30.77	30.77	1.54
	Whirlpool	0.49	5.99	9.74	119.83	1.96
American Pale Ale Total		0.01	5.99	0.2	119.83	1.65
New England IPA	Aroma	0.34	3.89	6.81	77.89	1.47
	Bittering	1.14	3	22.73	59.91	1.52
	Dry Hop	0.21	11.36	4.28	227.27	2.23
	First Wort	0.2	2.25	4.08	44.93	1.26
	Flavor	0.62	3.74	12.48	74.89	1.64
	Hop Stand	0.62	1.5	12.48	29.96	1.12
	Hopback	0.34	0.95	6.81	19.05	0.65
	Whirlpool	0.26	4.99	5.28	99.86	1.94
New England IPA Total		0.2	11.36	4.08	227.27	1.94
Saison	Aroma	0.1	5.71	2.08	114.12	1.35
	Bittering	0.18	3.4	3.52	68.08	1.31
	Dry Hop	0.39	4	7.89	80	2.13
	First Wort	0.22	1.5	4.4	29.96	1.06
	Flavor	0.27	3	5.45	59.91	1.23
	Hop Stand	0.68	2.72	13.62	54.47	1.36
	Hopback	1.36	1.36	27.23	27.23	1.36
	Whirlpool	0.27	3.74	5.45	74.89	1.56
Saison Total		0.1	5.71	2.08	114.12	1.42
Blonde Ale	Aroma	0.22	3.25	4.33	65	1.41
	Bittering	0.2	2.01	3.99	40.14	1.07
	Dry Hop	0.5	5	9.99	100	1.97
	First Wort	0.1	0.34	2.1	6.89	0.22
	Flavor	0.34	2.5	6.81	49.93	1.17
	Whirlpool	0.34	3.83	6.89	76.6	1.54
Blonde Ale Total		0.1	5	2.1	100	1.44

*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.

Brewing with Lemondrop: Techniques and Tips

Ready to rock your brew day with Lemondrop hops?

Perfect, let’s make sure you squeeze every drop of potential from those lemony bad boys.

Optimizing Alpha Acid Utilization

Lemondrop hops boast a moderate alpha acid content, so let’s talk about getting the most bang for your bitter buck. If you’re aiming for a kick that’ll pucker your lips like a first kiss, you’ll want to add these hops early in the boil.

Ramp up your kettle romance and let them boil for the long haul, typically 60 minutes. This maximizes the IBUs and lays down a solid bitterness foundation for your beer.

Short Boil: Aroma city with less bitterness
Long Boil: Bitterness climbs, but aroma takes a backseat

Balancing Bitterness and Flavor Profile

Striking a balance between lemony zing and bitterness is like walking a tightrope while juggling lemons. You want enough bitterness to say “Hello, I’m beer,” without overshadowing the citrus flair of Lemondrop hops.

Aiming for a bitterness range of 20-40 IBUs does the trick for most styles.

Keeping things mellow yet meaningful.

Less Bitter: Keep IBUs low; let the flavor shine
More Bitter: Crank up the IBUs; but don’t overdo or you’ll mute the melody

Dry Hop vs. Kettle Additions

The dry hop is like your encore, bringing in intense aroma and flavor notes without adding bitterness. This is your chance to let Lemondrop’s lemony notes take center stage.

On the flip side, kettle additions bring the bitterness and a subtler flavor. Want a beer that feels like a citrus symphony? Dry hop. Want more complexity and a bitter backbone? Kettle additions will get you there.

Dry Hop: Aromatic and flavorful, like a fresh lemon grove
Kettle Additions: Bitter and balanced, like a zen garden with a lemon tree

The Significance of Oil Content

With Lemondrop hops, their oil content dictates the concert of scents that’ll waft out of your glass. The total oil content affects not just the intensity, but also the quality of the hop character.

Especially those punchy citrus oils.

Think of it as the difference between a scratchy vinyl and a high-def audio file.

Both play music, but one’s a lot clearer than the other.

High Oil Content: Big, bold and in-your-face aromas
Low Oil Content: Subtle, understated, and sophisticated whispers of flavor

The Science of Hops: Beyond Lemondrop

You think Lemondrop is a one-hop wonder? Buckle up, my friend. The hop universe is a cornucopia of acids, aromas, and alter egos. Let’s hop on this ride and see what’s brewing beyond the citrusy confines of Lemondrop.

Comparing Alpha and Beta Acid Percentages

Alpha acids are the rock stars of the hop world, touted for their bittering swagger. Beta acids? More like the hop’s unsung heroes, contributing to the nuanced flavors and stability of your brewski.

Now, don’t get too caught up in the numbers game, but here’s why they matter:

Alpha Acid %: It’s all about the bitterness. A hop like Citra struts a high alpha acid content, typically around 11-13%. Laying down a solid bitter baseline for hop-forward beers like a luscious IPA. Lemondrop is at 5-7%.
Beta Acid %: These beauties affect your beer’s shelf life and subtle taste dimensions. Liberty, swing low with alpha but bring a beta game of around 3-4%, perfect for that smooth-as-silk lager. Lemondrop is at 4-6%.

Exploring Lemondrop Substitutions

Can’t find your beloved Lemondrop? Panic not!

Your palate’s adventure doesn’t end here.

It just gets spicier, fruitier, or more piney.

Let’s name drop some understudies:

Sub in Mandarina Bavaria for a tangerine twist. It’s like Lemondrop’s cousin from Bavaria who brings a fruit basket to the party.
Motueka flies in with a lime accent straight from New Zealand. Picture Lemondrop, but with a zesty kiwi twist.

Just remember, each hop marches to the beat of its own drum. So expect some improvisation in your beer’s final symphony. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, right?

Teaming Up With Other Hops

Lemondrop hop doesn’t just walk into a brew. It sashays in with style, perfect for when you’re crafting those light and frothy numbers like pale ales, IPAs, and lagers.

Now, let’s play matchmaker and find Lemondrop some dance partners:

Cascade: Picture lemons and grapefruits on a blind date. That’s Cascade for you. It’ll wrap around Lemondrop’s citrusy vibes with a floral lei to boot.
Citra: When life gives you lemons, throw in some Citra for a tropical twist. It’s like adding a splash of mango and passionfruit to your lemonade stand.
Amarillo: This one’s all about the sweet orangey charm. Pair it with Lemondrop, and you’ve got yourself a citrus circus in the best possible way.
Mosaic: This hop’s a chameleon, morphing from tropical fruits to pine faster than you can say “another round”. It’ll give Lemondrop’s lemon notes a run for their money.
Simcoe: It’s the dark horse with piney, berry-like secrets. It will offer some balance to Lemondrop’s bright side with some mystery and intrigue.

When you’re tossing this hop into the brew mix, think about the beer you’re dreaming up.

What’s the vibe? A laid-back lager? A punchy IPA? The style is your beer blueprint.

Now, flavor town is your destination. And Lemondrop’s got that zippy lemon zest that can either take the lead in a solo act or harmonize like a backup singer with other hoppy friends.

It’s all about the company it keeps and how much of the spotlight you want it to steal.

So, are you going for a full-on lemony limelight or just a whisper of citrus? The power’s in your hands, brewmaster. Play with those hoppy ratios until you hit that sweet spot where every sip sings.

Crafting Unique Homebrews with Lemondrop

Who says you can’t teach an old beer new tricks?

Mix it up with Lemondrop’s lemony zest in styles that crave a citrus punch:

Whip up an American Pale Ale and watch Lemondrop make it shine like a summer’s day.
A Saison begging for a citrus twist and a touch of mint or green tea? Lemondrop is your hop.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not a hybrid beer? A pinch of the unexpected can lead to your next “hoppy” accident. Cheers to that!

Lemondrop’s Role in the Craft Beer Renaissance

Craft beer aficionados, buckle up! We’re about to dive into how the zesty Lemondrop hops have spiced up the craft beer scene with their lip-smacking goodness.

The Evolution of Flavor Demands in Craft Beer

Remember when craft beer was all about who could brew the hoppiest IPA? Those days are gone. Your palate has become more sophisticated, craving complex, nuanced flavors.

You’re in luck, because Lemondrop hops are like the life of the party in the craft beer renaissance. Showing up with a backpack full of lemon, mint, green tea, and light melon.

It’s a flavor fiesta, and your taste buds are invited.

Flavor Note	Description
Lemon	The name speaks for itself, d’oh.
Mint	A follow up as cool as you like.
Green Tea	Subtle, herbal, and oh-so Zen.
Light Melon	It’s like a cantaloupe went to finishing school.

Now, what about that alpha-beta ratio? Kick back and picture this. Lemondrop hops strut in with alpha acids of 5-7% and beta acids of 4-6%. That means we’re talking about a hop that’s balanced, not too bitter, and would rather be bright and aromatic than a bitter bully.

It’s the kind of hop that craft beer dreams are made of.

So when you’re brewing, think about how those bright lemon-citrus notes can elevate an otherwise plain Jane ale. Use Lemondrop to add a dash of personality to a Saison or to give a Wheat Beer that sun-kissed citrus lift.

It’s like giving your beer its own pair of stylish sunglasses. Cool, right?

Trust me, Lemondrop hops won’t make your beer taste like Grandma’s hard lemon candy. They’ll tease out flavors that’ll make you feel like you’re lounging in a hammock in the tropics. Even if you’re just chilling on your couch.

And isn’t that what craft beer is all about?

Sending your taste buds on a vacation without the pricey airfare.

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