Sovereign Hops

Sovereign Hops Unveiled: Ideal Brew Styles for This Regal Bitter

Reading Time: around 11 min

Sovereign hops are the unsung heroes of the beer world, boasting a profile that’s as complex as your last relationship. These little green nuggets pack a punch of herbal and floral notes that can turn a plain Jane beer into a royal brew fit for a king.

Or at least a very discerning barfly.

You might have heard whispers about Sovereign in the halls of homebrew clubs or seen them listed in the fine print of your favorite English ale. It’s time to give these hops the spotlight they deserve.

On the nose, Sovereign is like a herbal field with a bouquet of flowers on the side. Think dignified herbal flavors, floral grace, with a dash of grassy countryside. You know those beers where the first sip makes you go, “Ah, that’s lovely”? 

Chances are, Sovereign hops have worked their magic. 

They’re the perfect plus-one for that classic English-style beer you’ve been dreaming of brewing. But don’t pigeonhole them just yet. These hops are as versatile as your favorite pair of jeans, happily hopping into a Pale Ale or a Pilsner.

Key Takeaways

  • Sovereign hops are aromatic gems that infuse beers with herbal, floral, and grassy notes.
  • They shine brightest in English-style ales, but are versatile enough for various beer styles.
  • Pair Sovereign with fellow hops for a royal symphony of flavors in your next homebrew.

 

Hopping Through History

Guess what? The story of Sovereign hops is like a good brew.

It’s got depth, character, and a little bit of history thrown into the mix. 

Let’s pop the cap off this tale.

Origins of Sovereign Hops

Once upon a time in 1995, at Wye College in the UK, some busy bees… well, actually scientists, but you get the gist, decided to play matchmaker with some hop varieties in an open pollination shindig.

This wasn’t your average blind date scenario.

It was the birth of Sovereign hops, proudly rolling out in 2004 to give a royal wave to the world. It’s kind of like reality TV dating, but for plants, and it actually worked out for the best.

Notable Ancestors: Fuggle and Goldings

Let’s talk about Sovereign hops’ beer family tree. Meet Fuggle and Goldings. These aren’t characters from a quirky sitcom, but they could’ve been. Fuggle is like that one eccentric grandparent with old-school charm.

And Goldings? Think of a granduncle that everyone respects.

Put these two British hops together, and you’ve got Sovereign hops with some serious legacy in its veins. If hops could wear crowns, Sovereign would be blinging out!

So when you’re brewing your own noble concoction, remember that you’re not just throwing in any hops. You’re inviting an aristocrat to the party. Cheers to that!

Breaking Down the Bud

Ever wondered what makes your pint of ale taste so royal?

Let’s peek into the hidden life of Sovereign hops.

Main Characteristics

  • Purpose: Aroma
  • Aromas: Herbal, Floral, Grassy, Spicy
  • Notes: Pear, Mint, Green Tea, Vanilla
  • Alpha-acids: 4.5% – 6.5% [bitterness added through boiling]
  • Beta-acids: 2.1% – 3.1% [bitterness added through maturation]
  • Cohumulone: 26% – 30% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
  • Hops oil breakdown: 0.6 – 1.0 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
    • Myrcene: 20% – 31% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
    • Humulene: 20% – 27% [noble, woody, spicy]
    • Caryophyllene: 8% – 12% [spicy, piney, herbal]
    • Farnesene: 3% – 5% [fresh, green, floral]
Sovereign Hops - graphic summary

Alpha and Beta Acid Breakdown

You’ve heard of bodyguards? Well, alpha acids are the bouncers of your beer, keeping the unruly tastes in check. With Sovereign hops, you’re looking at alpha acids ranging from 4.5% to 6.5%. Not too bossy, right?

  • Alpha Acids: 4.5% – 6.5%
  • Beta Acids: 2.1% – 3.1%

 

These acids play nice with traditional English ales where gentleness is key. 

Giving your beer a smooth bitterness without any throat karate chops!

Oily Business: Myrcene and Other Compounds

If beer had a spa, myrcene would be its aroma therapy. This little oil right here, present in Sovereign hops at about 20-31% of the total oil, is just right. It’s your ticket to those sensual resiny-fruity-whispers at the tip of your tongue.

This is where you might get those subtle pear notes.

At the same time it doesn’t overshadow more noble-like compounds. Humulene and Caryophyllene are responsible for those herbal-spicy aromas. And Farnesene coming strong with floral-grassy tones.

  • Total Oil: 0.6 – 1.0 ml/100g
  • Myrcene: ~20-31% of total oil
  • Other notable oils:
    • Humulene & Caryophyllene: Known for its noble-herbal-spicy cha-cha
    • Farnesene: It tiptoes in the background with floral and grassy notes

 

Think of these oils as the fragrance of a good first date.

Important but not the only reason you’re there.

Aromatic Chemistry 101

Now get this. Aroma is chemistry you can sniff. With Sovereign hops, aromatics are like that subtle nod from across the bar; inviting but not too forward. It’s got herbal, grassy, and floral aromas with a follow up of mint, green tea and… pear notes.

They play perfect wingman for the yeast.

Letting the malt do the heavy lifting.

This hop variety has a scent that whispers sweet nothings to the classic English ales. It’s not overpowering, but just enough to make the beer’s taste profile swipe right.

The Sovereign Flavor Palette

Picture this: you pop a Sovereign hop into your brew and bam! 

Your beer is singing with a chorus of earthy tunes and floral high notes.

From Earthy to Grassy: The Taste Terrain

Step onto the flavor field; it’s a whole earthy escapade. Sovereign hops toss out grassy vibes like a pro gardener gone wild. If you’re brewing a beer that needs that classic English countryside punch, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Imagine the scent of fresh dirt on gardening gloves.

That’s the earthy foundation we’re talking about.

The Market Stand: Notes of Pear and Mint Touches

Now, don’t get lost in the dirt. There’s a bit of fruity fun to be had! Sovereign hops chuck in some of a pear zest and a dash of mint and green tea mischief just to keep things interesting. It’s as if a pear tree threw a tea party.

And your taste buds are the exclusive guests.

Herbal Accents and Floral Whispers

Last but definitely not quirky least, Sovereign hops have got a secret garden of herbal and floral whispers. These aren’t your grandma’s potpourri. We’re talking a sly hint of mint that sneaks up like a ninja and a bouquet of floral aromas that make your beer say

“Hello, spring!”

So, if you’re looking to charm the pants off your pint glass with some dynamic taste notes, Sovereign hops are your wingman. Cheers to your next brewventure! 🍻

Perfect Beer Styles Pairings

Sovereign hops aren’t just royal by name, they make your ales and lagers wear flavor crowns. So, let’s give you the scoop on which beer styles roll out the red carpet for these regal hops.

The Ale Affinity

When it comes to ales, Sovereign hops are like the best wingman. Go British if you want to get classy with your ales. A Pale Ale with Sovereign is your ticket to a posh flavor party without the snobby attitude. Expect a garden of mild floral and herbal notes with a hint of grass.

Maybe also some spice with minty-pear follow up.

Think a lawn mowing session at Buckingham Palace.

Now, for you wheat beer wizards, Sovereign will bless your brew with a touch of royalty. A Wheat Beer with these hops is like having your cake and eating it too. You get those fruity vibes alongside a whiff of England’s finest country sides.

Want a bit more oomph? Let’s talk Golden Ale. Sovereign brings out subtle yet distinct flavors that’ll make your beer shine like it’s been polished by the Queen’s silverware cleaner.

And for the grand finale, an ESB (Extra Special Bitter).

I know, I know, in some circles ESB and English Pale Ale would be the same. But isn’t it worth it to double the fun? Sovereign hops will treat your taste buds to a complex flavor profile without making a scene. It’s the kind of drama you actually want in your life.

Sovereign Hops Beers

Lager Love: Pilsners and Helles

Now, leaning toward lagers, think Pilsners and Helles. Pilsner with Sovereign hops? Yes, please! It’s like adding a twist of class to your backyard BBQ. The hop’s mild floral notes and herbal whispers turn a regular Pilsner into…

…a noble beverage that might just require a toast in proper Queen’s English.

But we can’t forget about Helles. A Munich Helles with a sprinkle of Sovereign hops is the answer when you’re craving something more refreshing than a dip in the Queen’s swimming pool. It’s crisp, clean, and subtly fresh.

Like sipping the essence of a royal garden party.

Remember, a Sovereign brew is about dialing up the sophistication on your beer without turning into a total beer snob. Keep it cheeky, mate!

Concocting with Sovereign Hops

So you’ve got your Sovereign hops, and you’re itching to brew something that’ll knock the socks off the neighbor’s IPA, right? Let’s dive into how these little green wonders can make beers go from “meh” to “more, please!”

Recipes for Success

Brewing with Sovereign hops is like jazzing up a classic recipe; it’s all about the harmony. These hops shine in British Ales and Bitters, where subtlety is king. Imagine a jazz quartet in a pint glass.

That’s your Sovereign hop-laced Ale. 

The thing is, these hops aren’t show-offs; they add a touch of elegance without stealing the limelight. You could also toss ’em into a Wheat Beer for a cheeky twist or even an IPA for a polite nod to the Brits.

  • Traditional British Ale: Start with 0.75-1.25 oz at 60 minutes to bitter, then charm with 1-1.75 oz at 15 minutes, and finish with 0.5 oz at flameout for aroma.
  • Wheat Beer: Just a smidge, 1 oz late in the boil, to let those fruity esters do the tango with Sovereign’s floral whispers.

 

The Art of Dry Hopping

If you dare to dry hop, know that Sovereign is more of a delicate handshake than a bear hug. It’s perfect when you want a hint of something special without screaming “hops!” at your taste buds. Dry hop your APA with 1.25 oz or IPA with 2.5 oz a few days before bottling.

And you’ll get that waft of granny’s herb garden as you sip.

Yes, in a good way. Trust me on this.

Hopping Stages and Amounts

The key to using Sovereign hops is not to go overboard. These hops are like spice, and no one wants a beer that tastes like a spice cabinet tumble.

  • Initial Bittering: You’ll want about 1 ounce or a tad more at the beginning of your boil.
  • Flavor Addition: Another 1 oz when there’s about 15 minutes left on the clock.
  • Aroma Boost
    • Drop in 0.5 to 1 oz at the end of the boil
    • Or 1 to 2.5 ounces during dry hopping.

 

Play with these stages like you’re tweaking your favorite playlist. Just remember, this hop is a soft talker, not a shouter. Try different amounts, but keep them lower than for those louder, punchier hops. Cheers to your next great brew! 🍻

Substitutions and Combinations

Hop to it, because we’re about to uncover the secrets of mixing and matching Sovereign hops to make your next brew stand out in the crowd.

Sovereign’s Hoppy Companions

You’re on a flavor odyssey, and Sovereign hops are your trusty sidekick. When you’re aiming for an ale with attitude or a lager that’s leagues above, team Sovereign up with some Goldings hops. Imagine pairing a fine cheese with just the right wine.

Goldings are your cheddar to Sovereign’s Merlot.

  • Pairings to Try:
    • English-Style Beers: A match made in hop heaven.
    • Lagers: For that crisp finish you can’t resist.

 

Let’s put it this way. Goldings bring the traditional spicy vibe while Sovereign adds a twist with herbal and floral notes. And a dash of mint and green tea. The ones that’ll make your tastebuds dance.

Sovereign’s Hoppy Substitutions

Suppose you’ve planned the perfect brew day, but whoops. No Sovereign hops. Fear not, my fellow brew alchemist! There’s a couple of hops you can use instead without your beer batting an eye.

Here’s a cheat sheet:

Substitute Hops

Flavor Notes

Fuggle

Woody bliss with a gentle minty caress.

US Saaz

Delicate, slightly floral, and oh-so-crisp.

Polish Lublin

The noble herbal you know and love.

 

When a recipe screams for Sovereign, but you’ve got to improvise, Fuggle hops are like the understudy that’s ready for the spotlight. The same goes for US Saaz and Polish Lublin if you’re after that European flair. 

Each substitute will keep your brew in the same ballpark.

Just playing a slightly different game. 

Wrapping Up the Sovereign Hop Journey

So, you’ve been riding the Sovereign hop train, right? Quick recap: These hops are like the royalty of the beer world. Born and bred in the famed realms of British brewing tradition, Sovereign hops carry a whiff of nobility. Quite literally.

They’ve got a lineage to make any ale blush.

Being the cool grandkid of the Pioneer hop.

Let’s talk taste. If you get excited about fruity and floral notes with a side of herbal charm, then Sovereign’s your pal. They say variety is the spice of life, but in this case, it’s the spice of your pint. Tossing Sovereign hops into your brew is like…

…sprinkling a little zing while whispering an ode to those English ale ancestors.

Remember, less is more. Don’t go pouring a truckload of Sovereign into the vat. A late addition ensures you get all that aroma goodness without overpowering the neighbors. Think of it like a hoppy ninja. Sneaking into your beer at the last minute to deliver a killer move of taste.

Here’s the scoop. Sovereign plays nice with others, particularly Goldings, for that quintessential English-style beer experience. Aim for mild bitterness and let the harmonious flavors of pears and mint (yes, mint!) take you on a tasting journey.

Bottom line, you got yourself a versatile hop that’s all about bringing class to your glass. 

Give it a go, and raise a toast to your new best friend in brewing.

Picture of Damian

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