Lubelski Hops Uncovered: The Secret Star of These Beer Styles

Reading Time: around 14 min

Lubelski hops, also known as Lublin, are the cool kids of the hop world, sort of like that one friend of yours who can pull off any hat. They originate from Poland but don’t let their laid-back Eastern European vibe fool you.

They’re related to the noble Saaz hop.

And boast a lineage that could make any beer snob nod in quiet respect. They’ve got a reputation for high humulene and farnesene content. Which is a fancy way of saying they can make your beer taste like a crisp autumn day without even trying.

Lavender and magnolia aromas? Check.

Spice and everything nice? Double-check.

Picture this: You’ve had a long day. You reach for a beer, and bam! There it is. Lubelski hops greet you with open arms and an inviting bouquet that practically sings in fresh, aromatic notes. These hops prefer to lay low in lighter beer styles.

Think of them as the background dancers that make the star shine in a Bohemian Pilsner or a delicate Witbier. Want to try your hand at brewing with a touch of Polish tradition? Lubelski hops have got your back.

You just might not pick up those subtle floral notes if…

…you go heavy on other strong flavors.

Smoke malt, for instance, could overshadow the Lubelski’s cool, mellow vibes. But the cool thing is there is one style that plays ball even though it’s smokey. Stay with me, it’s a match made in heaven.

Key Takeaways

Lubelski hops are the Polish noble relatives to Saaz with a flair for the aromatic.
Expect a charming dance of floral and spice notes ideal for lighter beer styles.
Your homebrew can get a traditional touch with Lubelski’s easy-going but distinct character.

A Whiff of History: Lubelski Hops Origin Story

Hey, buckle up, because you’re about to scoot down the hoppy history lane where Lubelski reigns supreme. Your new Polish drinking buddy.

The Polish Connection: Lublin to Lubelski

Alright, you’ve heard of Polish sausages, but it’s time to get familiar with Poland’s primo hop, Lubelski. Originally swinging into the brew scene straight from the heart of Lublin voivodeship.

This hop’s got a rep for being as Polish as pierogi.

Picture this: Lublin, a picturesque city steeped in brewing tradition right smack in Poland. And gifts the world with a hop that’s as noble as the knights from their legends.

Origin: Lublin, Poland
Character: Noble like a medieval knight, but friendlier in a frothy mug

Of Nobility and Beer: The Noble Hop Lineage

Lubelski hops might make you think of chivalry, but don’t get it twisted, we’re talking beers, not spears. These hops descend from the same royal hop lineage as the famed Saaz which hails from Czechoslovakia.

Think of it as the hop version of finding out you’re related to somebody famous. Lubelski hops, high-fiving their noble Saaz cousins, packs an aromatic punch that’s got a fancy for floral notes and a certain je ne sais quoi…

…that clasps hands with time-honored Czech varieties.

Lubelski and Saaz share grandparents or so, it’s a real deal.

Favorites: Noble hop Saaz
Specialty: Conjuring noble aromas that make your beer a liquid crown

So there you have it, Lubelski isn’t just another hop; it’s a noble lineage party in a pint. Whether it’s the whisper of ancient cities or the aroma of floral magnificence with a pinch of cinnamon, these hops have stories in their DNA.

And guess what, those stories are best savored with a big ol’ sip.

The Botany of Bubbles: Lubelski Hop Characteristics

Before you dive pint-first into brewing, knowing your hops is key. Especially if you’re eyeing those Lubelski hops, which pack a punch with their distinct aroma and unique oil composition.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Aroma
Aromas: Noble, Herbal, Floral, Spicy, Resinous
Notes: Tea, Cinnamon, Magnolia, Lavender, Lemon
Alpha-acids: 2.5% – 5.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 2.5% – 4.5% [bitterness added through maturation]
Cohumulone: 22% – 30% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 0.5 – 1.2 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 22% – 35% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 30% – 40% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 6% – 11% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 10% – 14% [fresh, green, floral]

Smells Like Hop Spirit: Aroma Profile

With Lubelski hops, your nose is in for a treat. These tiny cones ooze a magnolia and lavender aroma that’ll make you think you’ve wandered into a fancy botanical garden rather than a brewery.

They boast high levels of farnesene, which is like finding a golden ticket in the hop world. Granting you that noble herbal touch with a side note of spicy goodness. Alongside you’ll get tea, cinnamon and lemon notes.

Followed by resin undertones.

Alchemy of Acids: Alpha and Beta Acid Content

Now, don’t get lost in the weeds. Or should I say bines? Lubelski hops rock a modest alpha acid range of 2.5-5.0%, perfect for brewing styles that don’t require a green fist of bitterness.

The beta acid content tells a similar mellow tale, creating a round and balanced bitterness. Trust me, your beer will thank you for the harmony.

Growth Spurts and Harvests: Cultivation Insights

When it comes to growth, Lubelski hops are more of the late bloomer type.

Maturing just in time for a late harvest. These hops enjoy a good climb and share your enthusiasm for a full-flavored finish. Keep an eye on them, and you’ll be rewarded with cones rich in farnesene and humulene, ready to infuse your brew…

…with a personality as rich and complex as your last homebrew experiment.

Perfect Pairing: Best Beer Styles for Lubelski Hops

Brewing is essentially adult alchemy, and your choice of hops is the magic wand. Lubelski hops, with their noble flair, can enchant the simplest of brews. Let’s tap into which beer styles get the Midas touch when laced with Lubelski’s green gold.

Lock, Stock, and Barrel: The Lager Love

You can’t talk beer without tipping your hat to lagers. They’re like the bread and butter of the beer world, only better, because who ever got buzzed on bread? Lubelski hops, with their aromatic nature…

…make European Lagers radiate with floral, spicy and herbal notes.

Here’s your cheat sheet:

Lagers to Brew with Lubelski Hops:

Pilsner: Aim for subtlety. A dash of Lubelski can elevate your Pilsner from just fizzy gold to a herby, hoppy delight.
European Lager: Think continental sophistication. Your lager will don a cloak of distinct Lubelski aroma, without going overboard.

Ale’s Well That Ends Well: Lubelski in Ales

Fancy ales? Who doesn’t! Ales are like the quirky cousins to lagers. A bit robust, a tad complex, and always up for a good time. Lubelski hops slip into ales like a secret ingredient, whispering an herbal undertone that’ll make you think, “Where have you been all my life?”

To keep it simple, here’s what works:

Ales that Sing with Lubelski:

Blonde Ale: It’s not just about the looks. Blonde ales get a botanical boost with Lubelski. Herbal yet approachable, like the girl next door if she were a beer.
Grodziskie: This traditional polish beer is perfect for Lubelski hops. Light smokey wheat style and noble floral, herbal and spicy notes is a game winner.

Remember, brewing’s not just science, it’s an art. Your canvas just happens to be a pint glass. And with Lubelski hops, you’re the hop artist the beer world didn’t know it needed. Happy brewing, my friend!

Hopping to Conclusions: Utilization in Brewing

When you’re brewing with the aristocrat of hops – the Lubelski variety – you’re playing a sophisticated flavor game. It’s all about the strategic hop addition time to sizzle up your brew.

The Timing Tango: Late Boil vs. Dry Hopping

Late Boil Additions:

Flavor & Aroma: The Lubelski hop, your floral noble friend, shines with magnolia and lavender notes. If you toss these green beauties into the cauldron late in the boil, you’re locking in their delicate spiced whispers like a beer whisperer.
Tips: Aim for the last 5-15 minutes of the boil; that’s the sweet spot where Lubelski hops do the flavor limbo. Low enough to creep into the brew without boiling off into a hoppy haze. Result? A magic in the glass.

Dry Hopping:

Intensity: Want a brew that’s as fragrant as a perfumer’s garden? Dry hop with Lubelski to make your beer’s aroma pop louder than a bubblegum in a library.
Process: Just sprinkle them into the fermenter like a hoppy fairy. And let the cold beer infuse with those oils and acids that make sniffing your beer as satisfying as tasting it
Romance: Lubelski loves this stage, eager to leap into the tank last minute and infuse your beer with those noble, whimsical whispers of the old world.

The Blending Brew: Hops Combinations and Substitutions

Hops Combinations:

Complement with Care: Think of Lubelski as the lead singer with a backup band. Mix it with others that complement its noble quality, not drown it out. Pair with mild mates like Saaz or Tettnang to keep your brew in harmony.

Substitutions:

The Swap: Out of Lubelski? Saaz is its genetic doppelganger. But remember, like choosing the right actor for a role, the replacement can change the show’s flavor, so pick wisely.
When in Doubt: If you’re scratching your head in the hop aisle, aim for those with a low Alpha Acid %. They’ll slide into your beer recipe like comfy slippers, keeping it chilled without stealing the spotlight.

So there you have it, you’re now armed with the hop knowledge to make your beer as noble and quaffable as medieval royalty. Just remember: timing is everything, and friends don’t let friends over-hop. Cheers!

Hopping Stages and Amounts

Let’s talk about Lubelski, or as it’s known in the secret circles of hop aficionados, Lublin. This Polish powerhouse might not have the punch of a heavyweight, but it’s got the grace of a ballerina in a hops tutu.

First on our dance card is the classic Pilsner.

As crisp as a freshly ironed shirt and as refreshing as a dip in the Baltic Sea. Lubelski is like the secret ingredient in your grandma’s famous recipe. Subtle, but oh-so-important. For this liquid gold, toss in about 0.5-0.7 oz of Lubelski with 15 minutes left in the boil.

This is your aroma ace, adding a hint of floral and herbal notes.

The ones that’ll make your nose do a happy dance.

But don’t put your hop shoes away yet! We’re also spicing up a Grodziskie, the zesty cousin at the beer family reunion. Lubelski in a Grodziskie is like adding sour cream to your pierogi. It just makes everything better.

Start with a full ounce at the beginning of the boil for that noble bitterness.

It’s the foundation, the base beat that keeps your beer grooving.

Then, with about 5 minutes left to go, sprinkle in another half-ounce to 0.75 oz for that floral-spicy high note. It’s the flourish, the jazz hands at the end of the performance that gets the crowd on its feet.

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
Grodziskie	Aroma	0.09	0.25	0.46	1.25	0.15
	Bittering	0.13	0.28	0.64	1.4	0.18
	First Wort	0.18	0.33	0.91	1.67	0.26
	Flavor	0.07	0.2	0.33	1	0.14
Piwo Grodziskie Total		0.07	0.33	0.33	1.67	0.17
Baltic Porter	Aroma	0.19	0.2	0.95	1	0.2
	Bittering	0.2	0.58	1	2.9	0.4
	Flavor	0.08	0.23	0.38	1.16	0.17
Baltic Porter Total		0.06	0.58	0.32	2.9	0.25
Smoked Beer	Aroma	0.15	0.19	0.75	0.95	0.17
	Bittering	0.1	0.38	0.5	1.88	0.21
	Flavor	0.05	0.25	0.24	1.25	0.13
Smoked Beer Total		0.04	0.38	0.18	1.88	0.17
Saison	Aroma	0.05	0.22	0.24	1.11	0.14
	Bittering	0.05	0.21	0.24	1.04	0.14
	Flavor	0.05	0.08	0.25	0.42	0.07
Saison Total		0.05	0.23	0.24	1.13	0.12
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.03	0.1	0.17	0.5	0.06
	Bittering	0.27	0.3	1.34	1.5	0.29
	Dry Hop	0.08	1.03	0.42	5.14	0.3
	Flavor	0.09	0.11	0.44	0.56	0.1
American Pale Ale Total		0.03	1.03	0.17	5.14	0.18
German Pilsner	Aroma	0.08	0.14	0.41	0.71	0.12
	Bittering	0.07	0.32	0.33	1.61	0.14
	Flavor	0.08	0.32	0.41	1.61	0.15
German Pilsner Total		0.07	0.32	0.33	1.61	0.14
Czech Pale Lager	Aroma	0.03	0.33	0.17	1.67	0.14
	Bittering	0.19	0.2	0.93	1	0.2
	Flavor	0.03	0.17	0.17	0.83	0.09
Czech Pale Lager Total		0.03	0.33	0.17	1.67	0.15

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
Grodziskie	Aroma	0.68	1.87	13.64	37.45	1.15
	Bittering	0.95	2.1	19.06	41.94	1.31
	First Wort	1.36	2.5	27.23	50	1.93
	Flavor	0.5	1.5	9.99	29.96	1.08
Piwo Grodziskie Total		0.5	2.5	9.99	50	1.28
Baltic Porter	Aroma	1.43	1.5	28.57	29.96	1.48
	Bittering	1.5	4.34	29.96	86.87	2.98
	Flavor	0.57	1.73	11.3	34.67	1.29
Baltic Porter Total		0.48	4.34	9.52	86.87	1.85
Smoked Beer	Aroma	1.12	1.43	22.47	28.53	1.28
	Bittering	0.75	2.81	14.98	56.17	1.56
	Flavor	0.35	1.87	7.04	37.45	0.99
Smoked Beer Total		0.27	2.81	5.45	56.17	1.24
Saison	Aroma	0.36	1.67	7.14	33.33	1.08
	Bittering	0.36	1.56	7.14	31.25	1.02
	Flavor	0.38	0.63	7.5	12.5	0.53
Saison Total		0.36	1.7	7.14	34	0.94
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.25	0.75	5	15	0.47
	Bittering	2	2.25	40	45	2.13
	Dry Hop	0.63	7.69	12.5	153.85	2.28
	Flavor	0.65	0.83	13.04	16.67	0.74
American Pale Ale Total		0.25	7.69	5	153.85	1.35
German Pilsner	Aroma	0.61	1.07	12.27	21.4	0.88
	Bittering	0.49	2.41	9.82	48.14	1.04
	Flavor	0.61	2.41	12.27	48.14	1.14
German Pilsner Total		0.49	2.41	9.82	48.14	1.02
Czech Pale Lager	Aroma	0.25	2.5	5	50	1.09
	Bittering	1.4	1.5	28	29.96	1.45
	Flavor	0.25	1.25	5	24.98	0.67
Czech Pale Lager Total		0.25	2.5	5	50	1.12

*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 to it: Lubelski in Homebrewing and Craft Beer

If you’re into homebrewing or a fan of craft beer, Lubelski hops might just be your golden ticket. Let’s talk about how this Polish prince of hops can jazz up your brew!

Grains, Hops, and Laughter: The Homebrewer’s Guide

First off, you’ll want to know what you’re dealing with. Lubelski, or Lublin as its pals call it, is a Saaz cousin that’ll tickle your nostrils with a floral bouquet that screams magnolia and lavender. It’s the hop that keeps on giving with its noble-like, spicy aroma.

You’re making a beer, not a flower shop, but trust me…

…this hop is ooh-la-la in a pint glass.

When brewing your latest concoction, think of Lubelski like your secret spice.

It’s not the main character but sure knows how to steal the spotlight. With alpha acids typically lounging around the 3-4% mark, these hops are mild-mannered enough not to turn your ale into a bitter brawl. It’s all about the late addition, my friend.

Toss ’em in at the end of your boil to preserve that delicate aroma.

Here’s the rundown:

Alpha Acidity: 3-4% (Not too hot, not too cold, just right!)
Oil Profile: High humulene and farnesene (Hello, aromatic magnificence)
Best Used: Late boil or dry hopping (Don’t be shy, drop ’em in late)

Small Batch, Big Flavor: Lubelski in Craft Beer

On the craft beer scene, Lubelski hops are the unsung heroes in the world of Polish pilsners and beyond. They bring zest to the party without overpowering the guest list. If you’re a craft brewer looking to whip up something with a European twist…

…these hops will help your pilsner, lager, or even a wheat beer stand out in a crowd.

Imagine sipping on a brew where the Lubelski hops have performed a little hopscotch with other ingredients. Creating a prance of spice and a whirl of floral notes on your palate. It’s like a dance party where the hops are doing the tango with malts.

Only to bring you a beverage that’s smooth, sophisticated, and downright sociable.

So, if you’re brewing up a storm or sampling the delight of craft creations, Lubelski hops are your go-to wingman. Now, hop to it and brew something that’ll make your taste buds tango!

Un-hop-ular Opinions: Fun Facts and Misconceptions

You might think you know your hops, but Lubelski has got a few tricksters up its bine.

Let’s untangle the vines of truth from the myths.

Lubelski Lore: Past and Present Myths

Lubelski, your aromatic buddy, also masquerades as Lublin. Born in Poland and raised in Polish pints, this hop has a passport that’s seen more stamps than a philatelist’s dream. Now, let’s bust a myth: Lubelski is no upstart in the hop world.

It’s actually as noble as a knight at a round table, thanks to being relatives with Saaz.

That’s right, relatives.

Despite common misconception Saaz is not Lublin’s parent.

Anyway, who would’ve thunk it? It’s like finding out your local barista is secretly royalty. But the confusion doesn’t end there. Some might tell you Lubelski is just about its soothing floral spice. Magnolia and lavender, to be specific.

Well, prepare to be tickled by the fact that there’s more to its profile.

Think herbal, tea, cinnamon, touch of resin and lemon.

Bushels of brewers use it sparingly, like a secret ingredient, to grace those brews that demand a delicate and refined touch. So next time you hear someone say Lubelski is a one-trick pony, give them the ‘hop-eye.’

The Final Round: Summary and Takeaways

Hey, brewing buddy! If you’re eyeing those Lubelski hops like a kid in a candy store, buckle up, because I’m about to give you the lowdown. Lubelski, or as some call it, Lublin hops, are like the secret handshake of Polish brews.

The noble lineage means they’re chill.

With all that hop aristocracy without the snobbery.

Key Characteristics:

Aroma: Lubelski hops are a fragrant bunch, wafting scents of herbal, spices and floral notes like a spring day in a lavender field.
Flavor: Think magnolia meets spice rack. A bouquet bound to add that ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your pint. Divine in certain styles.
Humulene is the name: It’s high in humble humulene which brings in the spicy, herbal vibes. Hashtag ‘noble’.

Ideal Brews:

The Style Match: Got a penchant for Pilsners or Lagers? Lubelski hops are your best buds. What else? Grodziskie.
Late Addition Love: These hops shine in late boil additions or when you’re dry-hopping, like adding a cherry on top.

In short, brew with Lubelski when you want your beer to be the belle of the ball with understated elegance. They won’t smack you in the face like some of their fruity cousins but will seduce your senses with subtlety.

So, hop to it! Gift your next brew with a spritz of Lubelski, because who doesn’t want their beer to whisper sweet nothings of spice and flowers? Remember, it’s not just a hop; it’s an experience, one pint at a time.

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