Newport Hops Exposed: Unraveling the Perfect Beer Match

Reading Time: around 12 min

Are you new to homebrewing or revisiting hops? Let’s talk about Newport hops. Picture these beauties as the rebellious teenager of the hop family. Bold, a bit rough around the edges, but with a heart of gold.

Newport hops were born out of necessity. Other varieties were stricken by disease. This new variety burst onto the scene with high alpha acids, ready to ward off any mildew looking for trouble.

You might not find Newport hops in mainstream pilsners and lagers.

But they’re like that quirky friend who’s really into heavy metal. They truly shine in the darker, bolder brews. With their strong, bittering prowess, they’re like the superheroes of stouts and porters.

They add the perfect punch, making you sit up and pay attention.

Key Takeaways

Newport hops are a bold variety, ideal for brewing darker, richer beer styles.
They emerged as a disease-resistant variety with high alpha acid content.
Best suited for stouts and porters, Newport hops offer a robust bitterness and unique flavor profile.

The Birth of Newport Hops

Kick back and picture this: we’re diving into the world of Newport hops.

A hop variety that’s like the life of the party in your beer.

Breeding Program Brilliance

The brains behind Newport hops come from a breeding program that’s got more talent than a reality TV show. Oregon State University (OSU) was looking to breed a super hop that could resist pests better than a celeb dodges paparazzi.

And guess what? Spoiler alert: they nailed it.

The program crossed different hop parents to come up with a variety that’s tougher than a two-dollar steak. USDA 58111M. Remember this number, it’s gonna be on the test. It’s the proud parent of Newport hops, giving it those resilient genes.

Dr. Al Haunold’s Legacy

Enter Dr. Al Haunold, a hop-breeding rock star. This guy had more hits than a viral cat video when he brought Newport hops to the limelight. A genius genetic cross here, a sprinkle of science there, and voilà.

Newport hops were born, ready to boogie down into brewing history.

They’ve got alpha acids that’ll slap the bitterness into your beer like a stand-up comic delivers a punchline. Plus, their subtle aroma sneaks up on you, hitting the nose with earthy, balsamic bliss.

When you’re chilling with a frosty pint of stout or porter, tip your hat to the breeding legends. And chuckle, because those Newport hops are practically winking at you from the glass.

Characterizing Newport Hops

Before you dive into your next brew adventure, let’s chat about Newport hops. These bad boys pack a punch, both in bitterness and in a bold mix of flavors and aromas that can make your beer stand out.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Bittering
Aromas: Neutral
Notes: Earthy, Resinous, Red Wine, Balsamic, Citrus
Alpha-acids: 12.5% – 17.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 6.2% – 9.1% [bitterness added through lagering]
Cohumulone: 36% – 38% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 1.6 – 3.6 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 45% – 54% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 9% – 18% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 7% – 11% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]

Aroma and Flavor Profile

Newport hops will smack your senses.

With a powerful blend of earthy and pungent notes. If you’re gunning for a flavor that screams “I hang with the cool bines,” this is it. You’ll be treated to a cocktail of:

Earthy undertones
Balsamic touches
Resin-like whispers

And let’s not forget a mysterious whisper of wine-like fruitiness that’ll leave you guessing.

Bittering Qualities and Acid Composition

Whoa there, cowboy. Hold onto your pint glass. Newport hops are like the bouncers of the hop world – strong and bitter. Here’s the lowdown:

Alpha Acid: Typically 13.0-17.0% (Get ready for some serious bite!)
Beta Acid: Hangs around 6.5-9.1% (It’s the backup bouncer.)

This dynamic duo ensures that your beer doesn’t just tap-dance on your tongue.

It stages a full-on Broadway show of bitterness.

Oil Composition and Myrcene Magic

Ever wondered why Newport hops could totally win the “Most Likely to Become a Beer Sensation” award? Check out these slick oil stats:

Total Oils: Usually 1.6-3.0 mL/100g (That’s a solid hit of hoppy goodness.)
Myrcene: Oh, about 45-60% of total oils

This means you’re getting a resinous, spicy kick with every sip that’s practically dripping with myrcene magic. Trust me, it’ll be like a flavor carnival in your mouth.

Optimal Use in Brewing

When you get your hands on Newport hops…

…you’ve got a powerhouse for bittering and a secret weapon for aroma.

Hopping Recommendations

These bad boys are the unsung heroes of the hop world, bringing a bitterness that’s as bold as your uncle’s claims of high school football glory days. Let’s brew some beery masterpieces that’ll make your taste buds sing louder than a karaoke champion!

First on our hit list is the mighty Imperial Stout.

This brew’s as dark and mysterious as that one drawer in your kitchen that even you’re afraid to open. Newport hops are the bouncers at the door, laying down the law with a firm bitterness.

Toss in 2 ounces at the 60-minute mark…

…and watch them work their magic like a seasoned magician with a rabbit in his hat.

But don’t stop there! With 15 minutes left in the boil, you can try adding another ounce for good measure. This is like giving your beer a secret handshake that says, “Welcome to the club, pal.” It’s all about building that complex character.

The one that’ll have your friends guessing and your enemies envious.

Switching gears, let’s talk about the American Brown Ale.

In this nutty little number, Newport hops are like the crunchy toppings on your favorite ice cream sundae. Start with a friendly 1 ounce at the beginning of the boil for a bitterness that’s as welcoming as your grandma’s hugs.

As the end of the boil approaches, with just 10 minutes left on the clock, it’s time for another half-ounce. This is where you whisper the secret words of flavor into your brew’s ear.

Giving it that hoppy kick that’s as comforting as your favorite flannel shirt.

And because we’re all about happy endings, toss in a final half-ounce at flameout. It’s the perfect nightcap for your beer, tucking it into bed with dreams of hoppy grandeur.

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	0.15	0.27	0.77	1.36	0.19
	Bittering	0.02	1.52	0.1	7.62	0.26
	Dry Hop	0.46	0.46	2.31	2.31	0.46
	First Wort	0.02	0.05	0.12	0.26	0.03
	Flavor	0.09	0.18	0.45	0.91	0.16
	Whirlpool	0.18	0.36	0.91	1.82	0.32
American IPA Total		0.02	1.52	0.1	7.62	0.21
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.05	0.57	0.27	2.86	0.17
	Bittering	0.06	0.53	0.32	2.67	0.18
	Dry Hop	0.2	0.57	1	2.86	0.32
	First Wort	0.1	0.1	0.5	0.5	0.1
	Flavor	0.06	0.18	0.32	0.91	0.11
	Mash	0.32	0.32	1.59	1.59	0.32
American Pale Ale Total		0.05	0.57	0.27	2.86	0.19
American Amber Ale	Aroma	0.09	0.09	0.45	0.45	0.09
	Bittering	0.06	0.36	0.29	1.82	0.18
American Amber Ale Total		0.06	0.36	0.29	1.82	0.17
Black IPA	Aroma	0.09	0.09	0.45	0.45	0.09
	Bittering	0.36	0.73	1.82	3.64	0.55
	Flavor	0.13	0.2	0.63	1	0.17
	Whirlpool	0.09	0.09	0.45	0.45	0.09
Black IPA Total		0.09	0.73	0.45	3.64	0.25
Imperial IPA	Aroma	0.15	0.4	0.77	2	0.28
	Bittering	0.31	0.31	1.54	1.54	0.31
	Dry Hop	0.31	0.31	1.54	1.54	0.31
	First Wort	0.15	0.15	0.77	0.77	0.15
	Flavor	0.15	0.18	0.77	0.91	0.17
Imperial IPA Total		0.15	0.4	0.77	2	0.24

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	1.15	2.04	23.04	40.85	1.41
	Bittering	0.14	11.41	2.88	228.24	1.92
	Dry Hop	3.46	3.46	69.13	69.13	3.46
	First Wort	0.18	0.38	3.54	7.69	0.23
	Flavor	0.68	1.36	13.62	27.23	1.21
	Whirlpool	1.36	2.72	27.23	54.47	2.38
American IPA Total		0.14	11.41	2.88	228.24	1.56
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.41	4.28	8.17	85.59	1.32
	Bittering	0.48	3.99	9.52	79.88	1.38
	Dry Hop	1.5	4.28	29.96	85.59	2.43
	First Wort	0.75	0.75	14.98	14.98	0.75
	Flavor	0.48	1.36	9.52	27.23	0.86
	Mash	2.38	2.38	47.62	47.62	2.38
American Pale Ale Total		0.41	4.28	8.17	85.59	1.45
American Amber Ale	Aroma	0.67	0.67	13.45	13.45	0.67
	Bittering	0.43	2.72	8.65	54.47	1.34
American Amber Ale Total		0.43	2.72	8.65	54.47	1.25
Black IPA	Aroma	0.68	0.68	13.62	13.62	0.68
	Bittering	2.72	5.45	54.47	108.93	4.09
	Flavor	0.94	1.5	18.72	29.96	1.27
	Whirlpool	0.68	0.68	13.62	13.62	0.68
Black IPA Total		0.68	5.45	13.62	108.93	1.9
Imperial IPA	Aroma	1.15	3	23.04	59.91	2.08
	Bittering	2.3	2.3	46.09	46.09	2.3
	Dry Hop	2.3	2.3	46.09	46.09	2.3
	First Wort	1.15	1.15	23.04	23.04	1.15
	Flavor	1.15	1.36	23.04	27.23	1.26
Imperial IPA Total		1.15	3	23.04	59.91	1.77

*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.

Bittering: The Backbone of Beer

You want your beer to have some backbone, don’t you? With a typical alpha acid content ranging from 13.0% to 17.0%, Newport hops pack a punch strong enough to straighten the spine of the most slouchy beer.

When you toss these bad boys into the boil, they release their bitterness.

Like they’re trying to win an award for it.

Aroma: What’s That Smell?

Sure, bitterness is great, but let’s not forget that beer needs a good perfume too. Newport’s aroma won’t knock you over the head. But it’ll get you sniffing around, wondering what that pleasant aroma is.

With total oils clocking in usually at about 1.6 to 2.5 ml/100g.

It’s like the hop’s own little essential oil diffuser.

Aroma Recommendations: Late boil additions or even dry-hopping.
Total Oils (ml/100g): 1.6-3.0

Next time you’re brewing, remember that Newport hops are a great party starter (bittering).

They also have a complex cologne collection (aroma).

Newport Hops in Popular Beer Styles

You’re in for a treat, my hops-loving compadre. Newport hops pack a punch of bitterness with a quirky mix of earthy and woody flavors, making them a bold choice for certain beer styles.

Let’s hop to it and see where Newport hops really strut their stuff.

The Hop that Loves IPAs

Buckle up, IPA fans. Newport hops draw you into an intense romance with India Pale Ales (IPA). Why? They’ve got that bold bitterness that IPA lovers like you can’t get enough of. It’s like they were made for each other.

A match brewed in heaven.Introducing Newport to your IPA is like…

…adding a little extra oomph to an already rocking party.

Cozying Up With Ales and Stouts

When it’s time to get cozy, stouts and ales welcome Newport hops with open arms. The sturdy bitter profile of these hops gives American Brown Ales that firm handshake of flavor.

A dash of Newport’s earthy tones in your American Amber Ale is like throwing on your favorite sweater. Comforting and oh-so-right. And stouts? They just dig the woody vibe that Newport hops bring to the brew.

Special Mention: The Barley Wine Connection

Okay, so picture this. You’ve got a beast of a beer style. Barley wine.

What do you do? Toss in some Newport hops. Yup!

Its bold bitterness stands up to the high alcohol content like a knight in shining armor, and the earthy, resin notes are the trusty steed. Adding Newport hops to barley wine is like adding the cherry on top of an already decadently rich cake.

Cultivation and Harvesting Quirks

Before you dive into growing your very own Newport hops, buckle up for a quirky journey.

You’ll experience the ups and downs of their cultivation and harvesting dance.

Growing Pains: Resistance and Susceptibility

You might think that these bines are as hardy as your grandma’s cast-iron skillet, but hold your hop cones! Newport hops have a love-hate relationship with diseases. On one hand, they throw a one-two punch at powdery mildew like a champ.

Kudos to the USDA for breeding such a resistant crop.

Pests and Diseases	Newport Hops	Common Hops
Powdery Mildew	Resistant	Susceptible
Downy Mildew	Susceptible	Mixed Bag

On the flip side, downy mildew is their kryptonite. It sneaks up on them like a cat burglar. To keep your crop from becoming a science experiment, you’ll need to keep an eye out.

It’s like a game of tag where you definitely don’t want to be ‘it.’

Harvesting Time: Ripe for the Picking

Now, let’s talk timing because with Newport hops, it’s all about that perfect moment. Imagine you’re a hop farmer, and the tension is thicker than a stout. These cones reach maturity faster than teenagers hitting puberty, so swift action is key.

Growth Rate: Fast
Maturity: Early Ripening

These fast-growing bines are so eager, they practically harvest themselves. Okay, not literally, but their ease of harvest is a blessing. Like finding toilet paper during a shortage. When those cones are ripe, they’re like, “Pick me, pick me!”

And you, my friend, will be ready and waiting.

Significant Substitutes for Newport Hops

When you’re brewing and find yourself up hop creek without a paddle, meaning Newport hops are just a whimsical daydream, fear not! We’ve got the insider scoop on the best understudies that are waiting in the wings.

When Newport is Nowhere to Be Found

Let’s say Newport hops have decided to go on vacation just when you need them.

Here’s what you can draft in as pinch hitters:

Nugget: This hop packs a bittering punch similar to Newport with alpha acids usually hovering around 12-15%. Nugget hops will also give your beer a nudge of herbal kick but remember, it tends to be slightly less potent in flavor.
Magnum: You want clean, no-nonsense bittering? Magnum hops are your go-to. With alpha acids that can go from 12-16%, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of bitter hops. Magnum won’t steal the show with their flavor, but they keep the beer marching forward.
Galena: With a slightly lower bittering oomph (alpha acids around 12-15%), Galena hops can still play ball. You’ll get some sweet, fruity notes to jazz up your brew. Think blackcurrant jam at a rock concert.

Rock those alpha acids and lay down a solid bitter foundation with these stand-ins.

Usually Paired With Newport Hops

Let’s rap about the dynamic duos. When Newport hops are mingling in the mix, they often pal around with some other varieties. Here’s who you should consider inviting to the hop party:

Fuggle: They might not have the muscle of Newport, with their more moderate 4-5.5% alpha acid, but they have charm with their earthy and woody notes. Just like that indie band your friends don’t know yet.
Crystal: The well-mannered, woody and piney colleague that balances Newport’s aggressiveness. With a floral touch.
Centennial: The quintessential combo when you want a beer with floral notes high-fiving your taste buds. And beautiful citrus.
Saaz: Its noble presence can elevate Newport from good to ‘Wow, let me have another sip’ territory. Can’t go wrong with the classic.

For a little experimentation, why not invite:

Aramis: A touch of French sophistication, because fancy is sometimes necessary.
Bor: Unique, earthy and ready to mingle. It’s like bringing an interesting stranger to the hop party.

You’ll be tossing these substitutes into the ring when Newport hops go on a sabbatical.

Prepare to tag-team some flavor into your next brew project!

Ah, and keep these hops away from light, oxygen, and heat.

Just like you’d hide your chocolate stash from your roommates.

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