Tobacco Aroma in Hops: When Beer Smells Like Grandpa’s Pipe

Some hop varieties bring unexpected flavors to your beer. And tobacco is one of those unique characteristics you might not expect to find in your brew. You might find this distinct aroma in several hop varieties. Which are more or less forgotten.

Mainly because it’s not an aroma that you would seek in any beers.

Serebrianka hops lead the pack when it comes to tobacco notes.

Combining these rustic undertones with somewhat pleasant herbal and spicy characteristics. Followed by the black tea and flowers. You’ll also find similar qualities in noble varieties like Tettnanger and Saaz.

Minus the tobacco notes and more spicy, floral and herbal undertones.

Think of tobacco aroma in hops like finding an old leather armchair in a fancy library. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea (or beer), but can add a certain sophistication when used right. These varieties might shine in some darker styles.

Where their subtle complexity can really strut its stuff.

Key Takeaways

• Some hop varieties offer distinctive tobacco aromas that is negative trait
• Tobacco notes usually appear alongside woody, herbal, and rustic notes

Hop Varieties With Tobacco Flavors And Aromas

You might be surprised to find tobacco notes in your beer, but some hop varieties pack this distinct aroma. While brewers often try to avoid tobacco flavors, certain hop varieties naturally carry these characteristics.

Tobacco-like aromas due to their specific essential oil compositions.

Toyomidori, a Japanese hop variety, brings tobacco notes along with fruity and green tea characteristics. You’ll notice these flavors are more pronounced when you use it for bittering.

Another position on the list is Vojvodina. This Serbian variety is rarely cultivated these days. However, apart from not so pleasant tobacco notes she has a noble and woody vibe.

And there is of course legendary Serebrianka, mother of Cascade.

Fun fact: Toyomidori was also used for breeding quite a few successful varieties.