Pilgrim Hops: A Hoppy Pilgrimage Through Brews

Reading Time: around 10 min

Hop aboard the brew train, folks! We’re about to dive into the world of Pilgrim hops. These little green cones are like the unsung heroes of British ales. You might not know them by name, but you’ve probably tasted their magic in your pint glass.

Pilgrim hops are the cool kids on the block when it comes to brewing. They’ve got this awesome dual-purpose thing going on. Pilgrim hops work great for both bittering and adding aroma to your beer, making them perfect for…

…English Pale Ales, Nut Brown Ales, and Stouts.

It’s like getting two hops for the price of one!

But wait, there’s more! These hops bring a party of flavors to your brew. Think lemon, grapefruit, pear, and a hint of berry. It’s like a fruit salad in your beer, but way better. And don’t worry about overpowering bitterness – Pilgrim hops keep it smooth and refreshing.

Your taste buds will thank you.

Key Takeaways

Pilgrim hops are versatile, great for bittering and aroma in beer
They bring fruity and spicy flavors to English-style ales
Pilgrim hops work best in Pale Ales, Brown Ales, and Stouts

Pilgrim Hops: A Hop’s Tale

Pilgrim hops are the unsung heroes of British brewing. These little green cones pack a punch of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance. Let’s dive into their story and see what makes them tick.

Origins and Pedigree

You might think Pilgrim hops sailed over on the Mayflower, but they’re actually British born and bred. These hoppy wonders first popped up in 2000, courtesy of the clever folks at Wye College. They’re like the cool half-sister of First Gold hops.

Sharing a dad but with a mom from the Challenger and Target hop families.

Talk about a star-studded lineage!

Pilgrim hops didn’t fall far from the family tree. They inherited some serious superpowers, like being tough as nails against wilt disease. No wonder brewers love them – they’re the hop equivalent of a superhero!

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Dual / Universal
Aromas: Fruity, Spicy, Herbal
Notes: Pear, Berries, Citrus
Alpha-acids: 9.0% – 13.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 4.0% – 5.5% [bitterness added through maturation]
Cohumulone: 32% – 38% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 1.0 – 1.8 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 30% – 35% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 18% – 25% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 6% – 9% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]

The Chemistry Behind the Magic

Ever wonder what makes your beer taste so darn good? It’s all in the chemistry, my friend. Pilgrim hops are like little flavor bombs, packed with alpha acids that give your brew its bitter kick. But that’s not all.

They’ve got beta acids too, which add a subtle complexity to the mix.

Here’s a fun fact: Pilgrim hops have a higher co-humulone content than some of their cousins. What does that mean for you? A sharper, more harsh bitterness in your pint. It’s like the difference between a gentle pat on the back and a slap in the face.

Ok, it’s not that bad but you get the idea.

Pilgrim Hops vs. Its Cousins

You might be thinking, “Aren’t all hops the same?” Oh, you sweet summer child. Pilgrim hops have their own unique personality that sets them apart from the crowd.

Compared to their half-sibling First Gold, Pilgrim hops are like the chill older brother. They’ve got a more rounded flavor profile that plays well with others. And while Target hops might be screaming for attention…

…Pilgrim hops are content to add a subtle complexity to your brew.

But don’t mistake their laid-back nature for weakness. Pilgrim hops can hold their own in a variety of beer styles. From English pale ales to stouts, these versatile little fellows will add a touch of British charm to your pint.

Aromas and Flavors: The Pilgrim’s Scent-sational Journey

Get ready for a taste bud adventure with Pilgrim hops! These little green cones pack a punch of fruity goodness and spicy surprises. Let’s sniff out what makes Pilgrim so special.

The Fragrant Fusion of Aroma and Taste

Picture this: You’re sipping a beer, and suddenly your nose is tickled by lemon zest and grapefruit. That’s Pilgrim saying hello! These hops bring a citrus party to your glass. But wait, there’s more! You might catch hints of juicy pears and berries too.

Pilgrim isn’t just about the nose – it’s a flavor powerhouse. When you take a swig, you’ll notice a refreshing bitterness that doesn’t overpower. Despite being rather high on co-humulone. It’s like a gentle handshake, not a slap in the face.

The fruity notes dance on your tongue, making each sip a delightful experience.

Want to geek out a bit? Pilgrim’s magic comes from its oil composition:

Myrcene: Brings the fruity vibes
Humulene: Adds a touch of spice
Caryophyllene: Gives that herbal kick

Comparative Aroma Profiles: Pilgrim vs. Popular Varieties

Ever wonder how Pilgrim stacks up against other hop stars?

Let’s play a little game of “Guess That Hop”:

Hop A: Citrus bomb with pine notes
Hop B: Floral and earthy, with a hint of spice
Hop C: Lemon, grapefruit, and berry medley

If you guessed C for Pilgrim, you’re spot on! While some hops scream IPA, Pilgrim is more of a team player. It’s like the cool friend who gets along with everyone at the party.

Pilgrim shines in British-style ales, giving them a modern twist. But don’t box it in – this hop can surprise you in lagers and even experimental brews. Its versatility is your playground, so go wild and have fun!

The Beer Styles Suited for Pilgrim Hops

Pilgrim hops are like the Avengers of the brewing world. They’re versatile enough to add their magic to a wide range of beer styles. Let’s explore how these little green gems can spice up your brews.

Hops on the Voyage from Ales to Stouts

Ready to set sail on a hoppy adventure? Pilgrim hops are your trusty first mate. In English Pale Ales, they’ll give you that classic earthy bite with a twist of fruit. Fancy a Nut Brown Ale? These hops will add a subtle spiciness that’ll make your taste buds dance.

And don’t forget stouts!

Pilgrim’s gentle bitterness can balance out the roasty flavors like a champ.

Want to get wild? Try them in an IPA. While not traditional, Pilgrim’s fruity notes can add a unique twist to your hop bomb. Remember, brewing is all about experimentation. Who knows? You might create the next big thing in craft beer!

Crafting Single-Hopped Specialties

Ever thought about putting Pilgrim in the spotlight? Single-hopped beers are all the rage, and these hops are ready for their close-up. Their dual-purpose nature means you can use them for bittering and aroma. Talk about efficiency!

Start with a simple pale ale.

You’ll get a refreshing bitterness with hints of lemon and pear. It’s not exactly like a fruit salad in a glass but still yummy! Or go bold with a single-hopped IPA. The grapefruit and berry notes will shine through, giving you a unique take on this hop-forward style.

Just remember to adjust your quantities. Pilgrim’s not as in-your-face as some American hops, so you might need to use a bit more to get that punch you’re after.

Brewing With Pilgrim Hops: The Art and Science

Ready to dive into the world of Pilgrim hops? You’re in for a treat! These versatile little cones pack a punch and can transform your brews. Let’s explore how to make the most of their dual nature and optimize your brewing game.

The Dual Purposes of Pilgrim Hops

Pilgrim hops are dual-purpose champions, ready to bitter your beer or jazz up its aroma. As a bittering hop, Pilgrim’s got your back with a solid alpha acid content.

Toss them in early, and they’ll give your brew a clean, crisp bitterness.

But wait, there’s more! Pilgrim’s got a softer side too. Add them late in the boil or during dry-hopping, and you’ll unlock their herbal, slightly spicy aroma. It’s like having two hops for the price of one. Talk about a bargain!

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
British Golden Ale	Aroma	0.06	0.27	0.31	1.34	0.14
	Bittering	0.05	0.18	0.24	0.91	0.09
	Dry Hop	0.07	0.29	0.33	1.45	0.16
	Flavor	0.04	0.18	0.18	0.92	0.11
	Whirlpool	0.09	0.17	0.45	0.83	0.14
British Golden Ale Total		0.04	0.29	0.18	1.45	0.13
English IPA	Aroma	0.05	0.32	0.23	1.58	0.15
	Bittering	0.09	0.36	0.45	1.82	0.16
	Dry Hop	0.12	0.37	0.61	1.85	0.24
	Flavor	0.05	0.23	0.23	1.16	0.15
	Whirlpool	0.13	0.25	0.67	1.24	0.18
English IPA Total		0.05	0.37	0.23	1.85	0.17
American IPA	Aroma	0.06	0.18	0.32	0.91	0.12
	Bittering	0.05	0.34	0.23	1.69	0.17
	Dry Hop	0.11	0.42	0.56	2.12	0.21
	Flavor	0.05	0.31	0.23	1.54	0.14
	Whirlpool	0.05	0.45	0.23	2.23	0.2
American IPA Total		0.05	0.45	0.16	2.23	0.17
Strong Bitter	Aroma	0.09	0.25	0.45	1.25	0.16
	Bittering	0.04	0.27	0.18	1.36	0.13
	Dry Hop	0.14	0.43	0.71	2.14	0.26
	Flavor	0.04	0.21	0.18	1.07	0.09
Strong Bitter Total		0.04	0.43	0.18	2.14	0.14
Best Bitter	Aroma	0.06	0.22	0.3	1.11	0.12
	Bittering	0.02	0.2	0.11	1	0.1
	First Wort	0.05	0.11	0.25	0.56	0.08
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.15	0.2	0.73	0.08
Best Bitter Total		0.02	0.22	0.11	1.11	0.1
Ordinary Bitter	Aroma	0.05	0.09	0.27	0.47	0.07
	Bittering	0.03	0.26	0.17	1.31	0.11
	Flavor	0.03	0.15	0.17	0.73	0.08
Ordinary Bitter Total		0.03	0.26	0.17	1.31	0.1

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
British Golden Ale	Aroma	0.46	2	9.14	40	1.04
	Bittering	0.36	1.36	7.13	27.23	0.71
	Dry Hop	0.5	2.17	10	43.48	1.22
	Flavor	0.26	1.38	5.26	27.66	0.83
	Whirlpool	0.68	1.25	13.52	25	1.02
British Golden Ale Total		0.26	2.17	5.26	43.48	0.96
English IPA	Aroma	0.34	2.36	6.81	47.25	1.14
	Bittering	0.68	2.72	13.62	54.47	1.17
	Dry Hop	0.91	2.78	18.18	55.56	1.77
	Flavor	0.34	1.74	6.81	34.78	1.09
	Whirlpool	1	1.85	20	37.04	1.38
English IPA Total		0.34	2.78	6.81	55.56	1.27
American IPA	Aroma	0.47	1.36	9.44	27.27	0.9
	Bittering	0.35	2.53	6.96	50.7	1.26
	Dry Hop	0.83	3.18	16.67	63.64	1.59
	Flavor	0.34	2.31	6.81	46.15	1.06
	Whirlpool	0.34	3.33	6.81	66.67	1.47
American IPA Total		0.34	3.33	4.88	66.67	1.26
Strong Bitter	Aroma	0.68	1.87	13.62	37.45	1.18
	Bittering	0.26	2.04	5.26	40.85	0.94
	Dry Hop	1.07	3.2	21.4	64	1.96
	Flavor	0.26	1.6	5.26	32	0.7
Strong Bitter Total		0.26	3.2	5.26	64	1.01
Best Bitter	Aroma	0.45	1.67	9.09	33.33	0.89
	Bittering	0.17	1.5	3.38	29.96	0.75
	First Wort	0.38	0.83	7.55	16.67	0.63
	Whirlpool	0.3	1.09	6.06	21.74	0.59
Best Bitter Total		0.17	1.67	3.38	33.33	0.78
Ordinary Bitter	Aroma	0.41	0.7	8.22	14.09	0.56
	Bittering	0.25	1.96	5.09	39.13	0.85
	Flavor	0.25	1.09	5.01	21.74	0.61
Ordinary Bitter Total		0.25	1.96	5.01	39.13	0.77

*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.

Optimizing the Brewing Values

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Pilgrim hops typically clock in at 9-13% alpha acids. That’s nothing to sneeze at! For bittering, aim for about 0.5-1 oz per 5 gallons at the start of your boil.

Want to amp up the aroma? Throw in 0.75-1 oz during the last 5 minutes of the boil. Feeling adventurous? Try dry-hopping with 1-2 oz per 5 gallons for 3-5 days.

Pilgrim shines in English-style ales. For a classic ESB, try this hop schedule:

60 min: 1 oz
15 min: 0.5 oz
5 min: 0.5 oz

Remember, brewing’s an art and a science.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect Pilgrim balance!

Creative Concoctions: Pilgrim Hops in Brewing

Pilgrim hops can spice up your brewing game in ways you never imagined. Let’s explore some fun and innovative ways to use this versatile hop variety in your next beer creation.

Inventing the Next ‘Hop’ular Brew

Ready to make your mark on the brewing world? Pilgrim hops are your secret weapon! With their balanced bittering potential and unique oil content, you can craft some truly unforgettable beers. Try mixing Pilgrim with Saaz for a spicy-citrus kick in your next pale ale.

Or pair it with Chinook for a bold, piney flavor that’ll knock your socks off.

Want to go wild? Toss in some Bramling Cross for a blackcurrant twist.

Pioneering the Future of Hoppy Beers

Think outside the hop box! Pilgrim’s total oils pack a punch, so why not experiment with some unconventional brewing methods? Dry-hopping with Pilgrim can add a subtle earthy aroma to your stouts. Or try a hop tea with Pilgrim and Progress.

Why? For a unique herbal note in your lagers.

Feeling daring? Create a Pilgrim and Styrian Goldings blend for a smooth, woody character in your ESBs. The possibilities are endless when you let your creativity flow. Who knows? You might just brew the next big thing in craft beer!

Hop Ancestry: Pilgrim’s Family Reunion

Pilgrim hops come from a distinguished lineage, with some famous relatives in the hop world. Let’s explore their family tree and meet some of their celebrity cousins.

A Walk Through the Hop Family Tree

Pilgrim’s family story starts at Wye College in the UK. Its dad was a dwarf hop, giving Pilgrim some short genes. But don’t worry, Pilgrim didn’t end up as a mini-hop! Its mom came from the Challenger and Target lines.

Passing on some serious disease-fighting skills.

You might recognize Pilgrim’s half-siblings, First Gold and Herald. They’re the shorties of the family, while Pilgrim grew to full height. Think of Pilgrim as the tall cousin at the family reunion!

Celebrity Hop Relatives and Their Claim to Fame

Pilgrim’s got some star power in its extended family. East Kent Goldings is like the cool great-uncle, bringing classic English flavors to the party. Sovereign and Northdown are the cousins who always show up with fancy bitter notes.

If you can’t find Pilgrim for your brew, try subbing in Columbus or Crystal. They’re like Pilgrim’s look-alikes at the family gathering. Want to spice up your beer? Pair Pilgrim with Boadicea for a zesty kick. It’s like inviting the fun aunt to liven up the reunion!

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