Super Pride Hops: The Cocky Cousin of Beer’s Bitter Bunch
Super Pride hops are the Aussie rebels of the brewing world. Born in 1987 at the Rostrevor Breeding Garden in Victoria, these hops burst onto the scene in 1995 with attitude to spare. Super Pride hops are best suited for beer styles that crave…
…a bold bitter punch, like IPAs, Bocks, and Imperial Pale Ales.
You might think these hops are all brawn and no brain, but you’d be wrong. While they excel at bittering, Super Pride hops also bring subtle fruity notes to the party. It’s like they’re wearing brass knuckles made of berries – tough, but with a sweet side.
Want to brew like an Aussie legend?Â
Toss some Super Pride into your next batch. Your taste buds will thank you, and your beer might just start calling everyone “mate.” Just don’t be surprised if your brew develops a sudden urge to wrestle crocodiles or surf dangerous waves.
Key Takeaways
- Super Pride hops deliver a powerful bitter punch ideal for IPAs and strong ales
- These Australian-bred hops offer a subtle fruity notes alongside their bittering prowess
- Super Pride has become a staple in commercial Australian beer production since 2002
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The Bodacious Birthplace of Super Pride
Get ready for a hop-tastic journey to the land Down Under!Â
You’re about to discover the rootin’ tootin’ origins of Super Pride hops.
Cultivation Capers at Rostrevor Breeding Garden
Picture this: It’s 1987, and the Rostrevor Breeding Garden in Victoria is buzzing with excitement. The hop boffins are playing matchmaker with plants, and boy, do they have a wild idea! They take a female Pride of Ringwood hop, dress her up in her Sunday best…
…and introduce her to a dashing Yeoman-derived fella.
Sparks fly, and boom! Super Pride is born.
These mad scientists weren’t just fooling around. They were on a mission to create a hop with more oomph than its parents. And did they succeed? You bet your bottom dollar they did! Super Pride came out strutting its stuff with alpha acids.
The ones that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Australia: The Down-Under Darling of Hops
Australia isn’t just about kangaroos and Vegemite, mate. It’s a hop paradise! The land of Oz has been growing hops since the 1800s, and they’ve gotten pretty darn good at it.
Super Pride is like the Steve Irwin of hops. Uniquely Australian and ready for adventure. It’s tough as nails, perfect for the Aussie climate. Brewers Down Under fell head over heels for this hoppy hero. Why?
It packs a punch in the bitterness department without breaking the bank.
Since its debut in 1995, Super Pride has been the go-to hop for many Aussie brewers. It’s become such a superstar that it’s now a key player in commercial beer production across the country. Talk about a local boy done good!
Super Pride’s Super Powers
Super Pride hops pack a punch with their potent properties. These Aussie powerhouses bring big bitterness and subtle fruity notes to your brews. Let’s dive into what makes them so super!
Main Characteristics
- Purpose: Bittering
- Aromas: Neutral
- Notes: Resinous, Spicy, Fruity, Herbal
- Alpha-acids: 12.5% – 17.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
- Beta-acids: 5.0% – 10.5% [bitterness added through maturation]
- Cohumulone: 24% – 30% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
- Hops oil breakdown: 1.3 – 2.7 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 17% – 44% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 0.5% – 2% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 3% – 10% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: trace amounts [fresh, green, floral]
Busting Bitterness with Alpha Acids
Super Pride isn’t messing around when it comes to alpha acids. With levels ranging from 12.5% to 17%, these hops mean business. You’ll get a hefty dose of bitterness in your beer without needing to use a ton.
But wait, there’s more! Super Pride’s medium co-humulone levels (around 24-30%) make for a smoother bitterness. No harsh edges here, folks. Your taste buds will thank you.
Want to maximize that bittering potential? Add these bad boys early in the boil.
They’ll work their magic and leave you with a perfectly balanced brew.
Sneakily Fruity: The Aroma Profile Lowdown
Don’t let the high alpha fool you – Super Pride’s got a softer side too. Its aroma is mild and pleasant, with subtle hints of fruit and resin.
You might catch whiffs of:
- Light fruity-citrus notes
- Gentle resinous undertones
- A touch of spice and herbs
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It’s not an in-your-face hop aroma, but that’s part of its charm. Super Pride plays well with others, letting other hop varieties shine while providing a solid backbone.
Total Oil Tale: The Flavor Factor
Super Pride’s total oil content sits around 1.5-2.5 ml per 100g. That’s not shabby!Â
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key players:
- Myrcene: 17-44%
- Caryophyllene: 3-10%
- Farnesene: trace
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These oils contribute to Super Pride’s subtle flavor profile. You’ll get hints of resin and fruit, but nothing too overpowering. It’s like the strong, silent type of the hop world.
Pro tip: Try using Super Pride for bittering and late-addition hops for aroma. You’ll get the best of both worlds! It’s not going to replace Galaxy but certain subtleties might tickle your nose.
Chart-Topping Beer Styles for Super Pride
Super Pride hops bring the punch to your brews. These little green cones pack a wallop of bitterness and aroma that’ll make your taste buds dance. Let’s dive into the beer styles where Super Pride shines brightest.
Lagers and Ales: A Love Story
Super Pride isn’t picky – it’ll cozy up to both lagers and ales like a matchmaker on a mission. In lagers, it adds a crisp bite that’ll wake up your palate faster than a cold shower. Think of a clean, refreshing pilsner with just enough kick to keep things interesting.
For ales, Super Pride brings the party.
It cranks up the bitterness in your favorite pale ales, giving them an edge sharper than your wit after a few pints. And don’t forget about IPAs – Super Pride is like the secret ingredient in your grandma’s cookie recipe, only hoppier.
The Imperial Connection: Pale and Stout
When you’re ready to go big or go home, Super Pride’s got your back. In Imperial Pale Ales, it cranks the bitterness up to 11. Your taste buds won’t know what hit ’em, but they’ll be begging for more.
But wait, there’s more! Super Pride isn’t just for the light side of beer. It can darken your day in the best way possible in an Imperial Stout. It balances out the roasty, chocolatey goodness with a bitter punch that’ll make your mouth water.
Tales of Ales: Pale Ale Passion
Pale Ales and Super Pride go together like peanut butter and jelly, only boozier. This hop variety gives your pale ales a bitter backbone that’ll stand up to any flavor you throw at it. It’s like your beer just hit the gym and got ripped.
But it’s not all about the bitterness. Ah no mate. Super Pride brings a subtle aroma to the party too. It’s not as in-your-face as some other hops, but it adds a depth that’ll have your friends wondering what your secret is.
So next time you’re brewing up a storm, give Super Pride a shot.
Your taste buds will thank you, and your friends will crown you the hop whisperer.
The Brewing Ballet: Super Pride’s Role
Super Pride hops take center stage in your brewing performance. These bittering powerhouses bring rhythm and balance to your beer, but they need a careful choreographer to shine.
A Sip of Science: Brewing Values
Super Pride hops pack a punch with 12.5-17% alpha acids. That’s some serious bitterness! But don’t let that scare you off. These hops also bring 5-10.5% beta acids to the party, adding depth to your brew.
Want to bitter up your beer? Add 0.5 oz of Super Pride at the start of your 60-minute boil. For a 5-gallon batch, that’ll do the trick. Or go with 1 oz if you’re brewing something bold. These hops work their magic early, so no need for late additions.
Super Pride plays well in IPAs, pale ales, and even lagers.
Blending & Balancing: Using Super Pride Effectively
Think of Super Pride as the bass line in your beer symphony. It sets the foundation, but you’ll want other hops to fill out the melody.
Try pairing Super Pride with fruity American hops in an IPA. Add 1 oz Super Pride at 60 minutes, then 1 oz each of Cascade and Centennial at 10 minutes and flameout.
For a classic Aussie lager, keep it simple. Use 0.5 oz Super Pride at 60 minutes.
That’s it! Let the clean bitterness shine through.
Remember, a little goes a long way with these hops. Start small and adjust to your taste.
Happy brewing, hop stars!
Notable Comparisons: Super Pride Versus The World
Super Pride hops pack a punch that’ll make other varieties green with envy. Let’s see how this Aussie powerhouse stacks up against some global hop heavyweights.
The Alpha Hop Showdown
Super Pride isn’t messing around when it comes to alpha acids. With a whopping 12.5-17% alpha acid content, it’s like the Hulk of the hop world. Cascade? More like a gentle stream at 4.5-9%. Centennial tries to flex at 7-12%.
But Super Pride still reigns supreme.
Want bitterness that’ll make your taste buds stand at attention? Super Pride’s your go-to hop. But don’t worry, it’s not all bark and no bite. This hop brings some fruity and resinous notes to the party too.
The Great Debate: Bitterness vs. Aroma
While Super Pride dominates in the bitterness arena, it’s not the star of the aroma show. Aroma-focused hops like Amarillo and Ahtanum might giggle at Super Pride’s oil composition. But hey, we need foundation, right?
For a well-rounded brew, try pairing Super Pride with some aromatic sidekicks. Cascade could be your wingman, adding some floral and citrus notes. Or team up with Centennial for a citrusy, floral boost. Galaxy is also good option.
Can’t find Super Pride? No worries! Admiral hops can step in as a substitute. They’re like Super Pride’s British cousin – similar alpha acid levels, but with a slightly different accent.
Beyond the Bine: Economic and Cultural Influence
Super Pride hops have hopped their way into the hearts of brewers and beer lovers alike. These little green cones pack a punch that’s shaking up the beer world in more ways than one.
Hopping to Market: The Rise in Commercial Beer Production
Super Pride is the cool kid on the block when it comes to commercial brewing. Since 2002, it’s been the go-to bittering hop for Aussie brewers. Why? It’s like Chuck Norris of hops – versatile and reliable. You can toss it into your brew kettle and boom!
Instant bitterness that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Hop Products Australia struck gold with this one. They’ve seen demand skyrocket as more breweries catch on to Super Pride’s superpowers. It’s not just a local hero either – this hop is starting to turn heads overseas too.Â
Who knew a little Aussie hop could cause such a stir?
Cultural Cool: Super Pride in the Global Beer Community
Super Pride isn’t just another pretty hop face. It’s becoming a star in its own right. Craft brewers are going gaga over its unique flavor profile. You’ll find it popping up in IPAs, lagers, and even some wild experimental brews.
Beer geeks are getting excited too. They’re hunting down Super Pride beers like they’re rare Pokémon. It’s become a badge of honor to try a brew featuring this hop. Social media is buzzing with Super Pride hashtags and tasting notes.
But it’s not all about the hype.Â
Super Pride is changing how people think about Aussie hops. It’s putting Down Under on the map as a serious player in the global hop game. Who knew a little green cone could be such a cultural ambassador?
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
