Target Hops

Target Hops: Picking the Perfect Beer Style to Showcase Them

Reading Time: around 13 min

If you’re a beer enthusiast itching to brew a batch that’ll have your friends tipping their hats to your mastery, let me introduce you to your new best bud: Target hops. Think of Target as that one friend who can’t decide whether they’re spicy, herbal, or a citrus-charmer.

Because they’re all three rolled into one. Born in the heart of England, they’ve been spicing up brews with their herbal notes and a punch of bitterness since the disco era.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Target hops have a bit of an identity crisis.

They can’t decide if they’re the life of the party or the brooding poet in the corner.

With their high alpha acids, they haul a truckload of bitterness into your beer.

But they also have this knack for dropping aromatic bombs that make your pale ale smell like a stroll through a British garden. They’re versatile little critters. Whether you’re heating up the kettle for an English ale or an American craft IPA…

…Target hops slide into the recipe like they own the place.

Key Takeaways

  • Target hops are like the Swiss Army knife of the brewing world; versatile and packed with flavor.
  • Their alpha acid muscles make them perfect for bittering, but they still know how to charm your nose with delightful aromas.
  • English ales and IPAs love to tango with Target hops, but honestly, they’re not picky – throw them in your brew and watch the magic happen.

 

Hop to It: The Origins of Target Hops

Grab your pint glass, my friend, because you’re about to get schooled on Target hops. The brilliantly bitter Brits with a backstory as rich as a good ale.

A British Invasion: The Genealogy of Target

You wouldn’t believe it, but Target hops are like the royal family of the hop world, minus the drama. Born in 1972 at Wye College in the United Kingdom, these hops come from a lineage that’s got more hops nobility than a Buckingham Palace garden party. 

You want deets? Someone likes gossiping. Alright, get this. 

Northern Brewer hops and Eastwell Golding hops had a hoppy little rendezvous.

And bam! The robust Target hops were born.

Here’s the family tree in simple terms:

  • Grand hop daddy: Northern Brewer
  • Grand hop mummy: Eastwell Golding
  • Royal offspring: Our very own Target hops

 

This cross gave Target hops a unique set of genes that make your beer taste like it’s worth kneeling for.

First Draft: The Release Story

You can thank the clever folks at Wye College for releasing Target hops into the wild world of brewing. In the bustling year of 1972, which may seem like a snooze fest but was actually quite happening for hops, these beauts made their debut.

Think of it as the premiere of a blockbuster, but instead of movie stars, you’ve got these green beauties sashaying down the red carpet. And boy, did they make an entrance.

So, these hops are not just some old fuddy-duddy ingredient sitting at the back of your grandad’s pantry. They’ve got history, they’ve got pizzazz, and they’ve turned more heads at the bar than a free round of pints. 

Whether you’re brewing a classic British Ale or experimenting with something new…

…Target hops will march into your brew and salute you with flavor.

Main Characteristics

  • Purpose: Dual / Universal
  • Aromas: Spicy, Citrus, Herbal
  • Notes: Sage, Pepper, Floral
  • Alpha-acids: 8.0% – 14.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
  • Beta-acids: 4.0% – 7.0% [bitterness added through maturation]
  • Cohumulone: 30% – 40% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
  • Hops oil breakdown: 1.0 – 2.0 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
    • Myrcene: 40% – 50% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
    • Humulene: 10% – 23% [noble, woody, spicy]
    • Caryophyllene: 8% – 10% [spicy, piney, herbal]
    • Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]
Target Hops - graphic summary

Bitter-Sweet Symphony: Alpha and Beta Acids

Alpha and beta acids in hops are like the salt and pepper of the beer world, but even better. They pack a punch in your pint and make it sing.

Alpha Dog: The Role of Alpha Acids

Let’s talk about alpha acids, your beer’s best buddy for bitterness. Target hops have alpha acid content that’ll knock your socks off. Seriously, if you’re going for a bitter brew, like a classic English IPA, you’re on the money with Target. 

These alpha acids are the big players in the game.

Responsible for that nice sharp bite at the end of a sip.

  • Alpha Acid % in Target Hops: 8.0 – 14.0
  • Ideal Beer Style: English India Pale Ale

 

Supporting Roles: Beta Acids and Co-Humulone

Now, beta acids, they’re like the unsung heroes of the hop universe. Not as bitter as alpha acids, but they bring stability and depth to your beer’s flavor. And let’s not forget about co-humulone, a sidekick to the alpha acids that varies in levels. 

Lower co-humulone in Target hops means a more pleasant bitterness.

Not the kind that has you making a face like you’ve just licked a lemon.

  • Beta Acid % in Target Hops: 4.0 – 7.0
  • Med Co-Humulone: 30-40% a gentler bitterness

 

Essential Oils: Beyond the Basic Bitterness

You want more than just bitter beer, right? You want aromas wafting around, bringing groovy floral and fruity vibes. Essential oils in hops are where the magic happens. Target hops have enough essential oils to give your beer those…

…subtle whispers of citrus and mint without the bitterness stealing the show.

  • Essential Oils: Myrcene, Humulene, Caryophyllene, Farnesene
  • Fragrant Notes: Citrus, Spicy, Herbal, Pepper and Sage

 

So there you have it, the inside scoop on what makes Target hops the rock stars of the brewing show. Just remember, with great alpha acids come great responsibility. Or something like that. Add ’em right, and your pint will be a hit at any party!

Nose Knows: Aroma Characteristics of Target Hops

Take a whiff of Target hops and your nose is kicked into a party of peppery, sagey vibes with a citrusy handshake. It’s the life of the beer’s aroma party.

Sniff Test: Decoding the Aroma and Flavor Profile

Now, let’s cut to the chase. Target hops flaunt a bold aroma that’d give any perfume a run for its money. Picture spicy, herbal, with a hint of citrus marmalade. Iit’s like a full-blown olfactory orchestra with interesting tones as the bassline. 

Your beer’s going to have more layers than a lasagna.

  • Spicy Notes: The kick of pepper
  • Herbal Tones: Green sage taking center stage
  • Citrus Twists: A zesty tango of lemon and orange

 

Herbal Essences: Not Just for Shampoo

You’d think we’ve raided a herb garden with this talk, but nope, it’s still just hops. Target sings with a green, herbal backbone. And not the kind you find in your granny’s medicine chest. Myrcene and humulene oils join hands to drop an earthy beat…

…that’s straight-up hypnotizing for your sniffers.

  • Earth-like Whispers: An echo of forest floors and fresh-cut grass
Target Hops Beers

Pepper in Some Spice and All is Nice

Oh, and let’s not forget that sharp, snappy pepper twist. It’s what makes Target the sommelier of the hops world. This hop variety doesn’t just nudge. It boogies its way into the flavor profile, adding layers that make you go, “Hmm!” faster than your auntie at gossip.

  • Peppery Pizzazz: A lively jive that keeps things awake
  • Spicy Sophistication: No boring beers on Target’s watch

 

So, when you brew with Target, you’re not just making a pint, you’re crafting a symphony in a glass, where every sniff is a front-row concert ticket. Cheers to that!

Suds & Sensibility: Beer Styles Suited for Target Hops

Picture this: You’ve scored some of those hardy Target hops, but now you’re scratching your head wondering what beer to brew. Fear not, my friend, I’m about to lay down the hop law on where your Target treasures will truly shine.

Ale’s Well That Ends Well: English Ales

If you’re aiming for that classic British touch in your beer, Target hops are your bullseye. Think English Ales, where these hops’ herbal and spicy punches play nice with malty undertones. Get ready for a hopping schedule that’s a nod to tradition:

  • Bittering Stage: Toss in 0.5-1 oz for a 60-minute boil to give it that stiff upper lip of bitterness.
  • Flavor Stage: Another 0.5-0.75 oz with 15 minutes left and you’re brewing like a Brit.

 

The Bitter End: IPAs and APAs

Into the bold and the bitter? IPAs and APAs are ripe for the picking with Target hops swinging the flavor bat. They pack a high alpha punch that’ll put hairs on your chest. Or at least your taste buds, that’s for sure:

  • Bittering Stage: Start strong with 1 oz at the 60-minute mark.
  • Flavor and Aroma Stage: Go for broke and drop 0.5 oz at both the 15-minute and 5-minute marks. For top marks on aroma, dry hop with another sneaky 0.5 oz.

 

Dark Humor: Porters and Stouts

Ready to walk on the dark side? Porters and stouts get a kick out of Target hops’ rugged charm. These brews wear bitterness like a badge of honor, and with Target hops, they’re practically strutting:

  • Bittering Kickoff: Begin with 1 oz for a long boil of 60 minutes to build a robust foundation.
  • Mid-Boil Boost: Add a cheeky 0.5 oz throw-in with 30 minutes to go for mid-palate complexity.

 

Now go forth, intrepid brewer, harnessing the Target hop’s verve for your next beery masterpiece. And remember, you can’t spell ‘party’ without ‘arty’, and you can’t brew without Target hops… 

Well, you can, but why would you want to?

Brewmaster’s Toolbox: Versatility of Target in Brewing

Target hops are like that multitool you can’t find when you need it most. Handy for nearly everything in brewing. They add punch to the bittering and zest to the aroma. Let’s unpack how these hops can work wonders in your brew.

Boil, Boil, Toil, and Trouble: Brewing Process

Crack open that bag of Target hops and welcome the peculiar versatility that gets you brewing like a pro. Listen up, when you throw these bad boys into the boil, you’re adding a bitterness that’s got more kick than a mule with a toothache.

Ideal for when you want that distinct, clean British ale bitterness.

Without hogging the limelight.

  • Initial Boil: Toss in Target for a robust bitter foundation.
  • Late Additions: Sprinkle some in later for a flirtatious hint of flavor.

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

Best Bitter

Aroma

0.04

0.22

0.2

1.11

0.12

 

Bittering

0.03

0.24

0.14

1.2

0.11

 

Dry Hop

0.01

0.57

0.06

2.86

0.11

 

First Wort

0.09

0.13

0.46

0.67

0.11

 

Flavor

0.02

0.21

0.12

1.04

0.09

Best Bitter Total

 

0.01

0.57

0.06

2.86

0.11

Strong Bitter

Aroma

0.05

0.33

0.23

1.67

0.14

 

Bittering

0.02

1

0.12

5

0.14

 

Dry Hop

0.03

0.18

0.15

0.91

0.11

 

First Wort

0.07

0.19

0.35

0.94

0.11

 

Flavor

0.03

0.29

0.17

1.43

0.12

 

Whirlpool

0.18

0.32

0.91

1.58

0.24

Strong Bitter Total

 

0.02

1

0.12

5

0.14

English IPA

Aroma

0.06

0.41

0.29

2.07

0.16

 

Bittering

0.05

0.53

0.23

2.64

0.17

 

Dry Hop

0.05

0.43

0.23

2.15

0.21

 

First Wort

0.08

0.35

0.42

1.74

0.16

 

Flavor

0.07

0.2

0.33

1

0.12

 

Whirlpool

0.08

0.1

0.42

0.51

0.09

English IPA Total

 

0.05

0.53

0.23

2.64

0.17

Ordinary Bitter

Aroma

0.01

0.32

0.03

1.6

0.13

 

Bittering

0.41

0.02

2.03

0.13

 

Dry Hop

0.08

0.3

0.42

1.52

0.19

 

First Wort

0.04

0.2

0.21

1

0.11

 

Flavor

0.03

0.15

0.15

0.74

0.1

Ordinary Bitter Total

 

0.41

0.02

2.03

0.13

Extra Special Bitter

Aroma

0.05

0.3

0.23

1.48

0.13

 

Bittering

0.05

0.3

0.24

1.48

0.13

 

Dry Hop

0.08

0.17

0.42

0.83

0.13

 

First Wort

0.06

0.17

0.32

0.83

0.11

 

Flavor

0.05

0.22

0.23

1.08

0.11

 

Whirlpool

0.04

0.18

0.22

0.92

0.09

Extra Special Bitter Total

 

0.04

0.3

0.22

1.48

0.13

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

Best Bitter

Aroma

0.3

1.67

6

33.33

0.93

 

Bittering

0.21

1.8

4.17

36

0.86

 

Dry Hop

0.09

4.29

1.82

85.71

0.83

 

First Wort

0.68

1

13.64

20

0.82

 

Flavor

0.19

1.56

3.7

31.11

0.7

Best Bitter Total

 

0.09

4.29

1.82

85.71

0.85

Strong Bitter

Aroma

0.34

2.5

6.81

50

1.08

 

Bittering

0.18

7.49

3.57

149.78

1.04

 

Dry Hop

0.22

1.36

4.35

27.23

0.8

 

First Wort

0.53

1.4

10.57

28.08

0.84

 

Flavor

0.25

2.14

5

42.8

0.92

 

Whirlpool

1.36

2.37

27.23

47.37

1.79

Strong Bitter Total

 

0.18

7.49

3.57

149.78

1.02

English IPA

Aroma

0.43

3.1

8.57

62

1.2

 

Bittering

0.34

3.96

6.81

79.14

1.3

 

Dry Hop

0.34

3.23

6.81

64.52

1.59

 

First Wort

0.62

2.6

12.48

52.1

1.2

 

Flavor

0.5

1.5

10

29.96

0.92

 

Whirlpool

0.63

0.76

12.5

15.15

0.7

English IPA Total

 

0.34

3.96

6.81

79.14

1.25

Ordinary Bitter

Aroma

0.04

2.4

0.75

48.08

0.96

 

Bittering

0.03

3.04

0.5

60.8

0.94

 

Dry Hop

0.62

2.27

12.48

45.45

1.43

 

First Wort

0.32

1.5

6.4

30

0.83

 

Flavor

0.22

1.11

4.35

22.22

0.75

Ordinary Bitter Total

 

0.03

3.04

0.5

60.8

0.95

Extra Special Bitter

Aroma

0.35

2.22

6.96

44.44

1

 

Bittering

0.35

2.22

7.04

44.44

0.98

 

Dry Hop

0.62

1.25

12.48

24.96

0.94

 

First Wort

0.48

1.25

9.53

24.96

0.8

 

Flavor

0.34

1.63

6.81

32.5

0.85

 

Whirlpool

0.33

1.38

6.67

27.59

0.68

Extra Special Bitter Total

 

0.33

2.22

6.67

44.44

0.96

*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.

Dry Hop or Not? That Is the Question

Now, regarding dry hopping, these hops swagger in with subtle finesse. If you fancy a beer with a refined nose, consider a touch of Target as a dry hop. Remember, it’s like whispering to the yeast. A secret ingredient for aroma that’s not shouting from the rooftops.

Usage:

  • Light Hand: Keep it modest to play up the aroma, a subtle addition.
  • Heavy Hand: Only if you dare to tease out the full spectrum of Target’s total oils.

 

Playing Well with Others: Hop Combinations

Sure, Target can stand solo, but it plays nice with other hops too. Picture a party where Target hops are the life. Blending with the crowd but still standing out. Whether you’re homebrewing a traditional ale or an experimental concoction…

…here’s where you team up Target with other varieties for a grand slam of flavors.

Hop Combinations:

  • British Styles: Best mates with UK classics, like all kinds of Bitters.
  • New Recipes: Eager to mingle in your latest recipe adventures.

 

Target hops are like the cool, refined British gentleman at the party, and they’re always looking for some groovy companions to shake things up. One of their favorite dance partners is the classic East Kent Golding, bringing a dash of earthy elegance to the mix.

It’s like pairing a cup of Earl Grey with a freshly baked scone – simply delightful!

For those feeling a bit more adventurous, try throwing some Cascade into the mix. It’s like adding a zesty American twist to a traditional British dish – unexpected, but oh so darn tasty.

And let’s not forget about the trusty Fuggle. This classic variety is always ready to mingle with Target, creating a harmonious blend that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha.

Remember, mixing hops is like a dance. Find partners that won’t step on each other’s toes. Target brings the balance. A bit of a smooth operator in the realm of hop combinations.

When Target Is Hard to Hit: Hop Substitutions

When you’re in a pinch and can’t get your hands on those delicious Target hops, don’t worry – there are plenty of awesome alternatives that’ll keep your brew tasting fantastic. One of the top contenders is our good ol’ friend Fuggle.

Which brings a similar earthy, woody vibe to the party.

If you want to mix things up, why not give Willamette a whirl?

For those looking to stick closer to Target’s British roots, again Challenger and Goldings are excellent choices that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. And if you’re all about that bittering action, Magnum or Northern Brewer will hit the spot nicely.

Brewing is all about experimentation and having fun. So don’t be afraid to mix it up and find your own perfect Target substitute. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your new favorite hop combo!

Wrapping Up the Target Precision

Hey, let’s talk about Target hops and why they’re like the Swiss Army knife in your brewing toolkit. Now, Target hops are the big guns, literally loaded with alpha acid firepower ranging from 8.0% to 14.0%. What does that mean for you?

Well, you get to be a bittering boss without breaking a sweat.

But these hops aren’t a one-trick pony. No, sir! They strut their stuff with a spicy and peppery flair. And if you sniff hard enough, you’ll catch a whiff of citrus marmalade. Because who doesn’t like a bit of fruity funk in their brew?

Let me break it down for you. You’re working on an English Ale, a Porter, or even an IPA, and you want something with character, right? Target hops say, ‘hold my beer’. It’s a classic choice but not old-fashioned, like your granddad’s tweed jacket.

And here’s a pro tip.

If you want to jazz up your beer more than a sax solo, throw these hops into the mix later on. Late addition? Dry hopping? You bet. This move cranks up the volume on aroma, making your beer a headliner, not a one-hit wonder.

So, you want to make your brew the talk of the town? Get yourself some Target hops, and aim for flavor precision. Just remember, with great hops come great responsibility. Use the right amount, and you’ll be the brewmaster everyone respects and envies.

And isn’t that like the whole point anyway?

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