Vic Secret Hops: The Juicy Secrets of Brewing’s Hidden Gem

Reading Time: around 14 min

Vic Secret hops are Australia’s gift to the beer enthusiast. Just like you, who craves the wow factor in every pint. Picture yourself at a backyard barbie, the smell of the grill in the air and a cold one in your hand.

That explosion of tropical fruitiness with hints of pine and herbs?

That’s the Vic Secret talking, not your over-ambitious friend.

Who claims he can tell the difference between 100 types of hops blindfolded.

With their high alpha acid content, these hops are the cloak-and-dagger agents in your brewing arsenal. It’s no wonder they’re called ‘Vic Secret’. Sneaky enough to slip into your beer, making a grand entrance right when you take that first sip.

You can toss them into the whirlpool or let them stealthily imbue your brew at dry-hop stage; they never miss a chance to impress. And just like your mate who suddenly appears when there’s a free round…

…these hops always make their presence felt.

Key Takeaways

Vic Secret hops burst with tropical and piney flavors, ideal for your next brewing mission.
High alpha acid content makes them perfect for late additions in the brewing process.
Their Australian roots are evident in the bold, vibrant character they lend to beer.

The Origins of Vic Secret Hops

Puzzled by the mysteries of Vic Secret hops?

Let’s hop right into the birthplace of these Aussie beauties.

And their journey from petri dish to pint glass!

Australian Heritage

Vic Secret is your quintessential Australian, hailing from down under in Victoria, Australia. With a resume that boasts a lineage of Australian high alpha hops and some studious Wye College genetics. This hop has a true blue Aussie spirit!

Mixed with a dash of English class.

Key Facts:

Country: Australia
Region: Victoria
Local Hero: Vic Secret Hops

Breeding and Development

Crafted by scientists with as much care as you’d put into your home brew. Vic Secret came to life within a breeding program initiated in 2000. The creators took one part high alpha Australian hops for strength and added a pinch of Wye College hops for finesse.

Breeding Highlights:

Began: 2000
Commercial Release: 2013
Ancestry: Topaz (Australian), Wye College variety (English)
Breeding Program Goals: Optimize flavor, aroma, and alpha acids

This shiny green gem was kept under wraps longer than a marsupial in a pouch. Not seeing the beer light until 2013. With traits like vibrant tropical aromas and that punchy bitterness, it’ll make you think:

‘Blimey, that kangaroo’s got hops!’

Vic Secret Botanical Breakdown

Dive into the details of Australia’s hop pride, Vic Secret, and you’ll find a treasure trove of brewing gold. If hops had a personality test, Vic Secret would be the life of the party.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Dual / Universal
Aromas: Pineapple, Passion fruit, Citrus
Notes: Pine, Herbs, Resinous, Spices
Alpha-acids: 14.0% – 21.8% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 6.1% – 8.1% [bitterness added through maturation]
Cohumulone: 51% – 56% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 2.1 – 2.9 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 31% – 47% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 9% – 12% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 9% – 11% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 0% – 0.1% [fresh, green, floral]

Alpha Acid Profile

Alpha Acids: 14.0% – 21.8%
These are the bitter compounds that give beer its bite, and Vic Secret packs a wallop. With alpha acid values this high, you’re looking at a hop that can give your IPAs a stern talking to.

Beta Acids: 6.1% – 8.1%

The quieter cousins of alpha acids, they’re not just here for moral support. They add depth to the bitterness and keep the alpha acids from getting too big for their britches.

Oil Composition

Think of oils as the flavor DJ of the hop world, mixing and matching beats.

On the mission to get your taste buds dancing. Vic Secret’s got a slick mix:

Total Oils: 2.1 – 2.9ml/100g
Myrcene: This top-note terpene hits you with the fruity tunes.
Caryophyllene: It brings the spice, rounding out the track.
Humulene: Herbal and noble notes that get the glass swaying.
Farnesene: Barely there, but without it, the mix just wouldn’t be right.
Linalool: A floral note to keep things fresh.

Don’t forget about cohumulone – the rebellious one, swinging at 51-56%.

It might bring a sharper bitterness, but Vic Secret’s got it under control.

Aromatic Qualities

Vic Secret’s aroma is like a tropical getaway in a hop cone.

Picture yourself sipping a drink on the beach, and that’s what your nose is in for:

Pineapple: The lead singer of the aroma band.
Passion Fruit: A bit in the backend but profound.
Pine Tones: The sturdy bass player holding it all together.
Herbal Tones: The rhythm guitarist that completes the band.

The fragrance party doesn’t start until Vic Secret walks in, and let me tell you, it’s no wallflower.

Vic Secret Hops Sensory Profile

Prepare your senses for a hoppy escapade. We’re zeroing in on Vic Secret Hops and their standout sensory qualities. It’s like a tropical getaway packed into a pint!

Aroma Notes

Vic Secret is your go-to hop for a fruity aroma joyride. With the scent of pineapple and passionfruit hitting your nostrils faster than a kangaroo on a trampoline. Imagine peeling a citrus fruit in a dense pine forest.

And you’re getting close to the experience.

But wait, there’s more. A subtle whisper of herbal notes might just pass you by if you’re not paying attention. And let’s not forget the splash of spicy goodness that ties it all together. Like a beautiful bow on a present you can’t wait to open.

Flavor Palette

Dive into the flavor profile of Vic Secret and brace yourself for a flavor bomb.

Tropical fruit comes through with all claws out. Think of it like biting into a fancy cocktail garnish. Only way better. The fruity aroma translates into a sweet fruit ensemble on the palate, with notes of pineapple leading the pack.

Meanwhile, a resinous and woody aromatic baseline keeps things grounded so you don’t drift off to flavor cloud nine. It’s not just hops, mate. It’s a full-on flavor party where citrus and passionfruit are doing the tango on your taste buds.

Remember, you’re not just sipping a beer, you’re embarking on a sensory adventure.

Ah, one more thing. This hop is less aggressive than Galaxy.

Vic Secret Brewing Applications

When you’re brewing with Vic Secret hops, think of a fruit salad cannon blasting directly into your next craft beer creation. This hop is the ninja of the brewery. Sneaking in a combo of tropical flavors and piney punches.

Usage in Beer Styles

If you’re brewing an IPA or pale ale, you’re in the sweet spot for Vic Secret. This hop’s vibrant tropical and pine flavors will make your beer taste like it took a holiday in the Australian outback. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous…

…why not throw some into a stout or porter for a surprising twist?

Your taste buds might just thank you!

IPAs/Pale Ales: A match made in hop heaven.
Stouts/Porters: For a tropical spin on the classics.

Dry Hopping Techniques

When it comes to dry hopping, Vic Secret is your secret handshake with the beer gods. Toss these hops in after the boil, and say hello to an aromatic ambush. That’s more exciting than finding a forgotten $20 in your jeans.

The longer you let them mingle in the tank, the more they’ll whisper sweet nothings of pineapple and passionfruit into your brew. And it’s so darn good…

Dry Hop: Let those hops party in your tank post-boil.
Duration: The longer the mingle, the punchier the flavor.

Hopping Stages and Amounts

Strap on your boots and don your brewer’s cape. ‘Cause we’re about to get super-secret with Vic Secret. The hop that’s got more mystique than a spy novel set in a hop field. This Aussie hop is the James Bond of the lupulin world.

Delivering pineapple punches and passionfruit pecks with a suave pine finish.

First up, let’s dive into an IPA, the hop playground where Vic Secret swings from the monkey bars like a boss. Because we’re all about that bass (no treble), let’s give our IPA a pre-dry hop nudge with 1 ounce at the 10-minute mark.

This little addition is like the bass guitar in a rock band.

You might not always notice it, but you’d miss it if it wasn’t there.

Now, picture this: a hefty 2 ounces for dry hopping. Or even 3 if you’re really going at it.

That’s right, we’re going straight for the aroma jackpot, baby!

This is where you get to whisper sweet nothings to your brew…

…and watch it blush with tropical aromas.

Now, on to a Pale Ale, the beer that’s as chill as a koala on a eucalyptus branch. Vic Secret hops are like the koala’s eucalyptus. Just the right amount of zing without the sting. Start with a cozier 1 ounce at the 15-minute mark.

Giving your Pale Ale a bitterness that’s as friendly as a kangaroo with a pouch full of candy.

And because we love a good hop cuddle, let’s go for a half-ounce to 0.75 oz at flameout. It’s like a warm hug from Down Under. Leaving your Pale Ale with a finish as smooth as a surfer’s board on a wave.

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
American IPA	Aroma	0.02	0.7	0.11	3.48	0.17
	Bittering	0.01	0.64	0.04	3.21	0.14
	Dry Hop	0.03	1.6	0.16	8	0.32
	First Wort	0.02	0.18	0.12	0.91	0.09
	Flavor	0.03	0.64	0.14	3.21	0.11
	Hop Stand	0.17	0.23	0.87	1.13	0.21
	Hopback	0.15	0.32	0.74	1.6	0.24
	Whirlpool	0.01	1.07	0.03	5.33	0.23
American IPA Total		0.01	1.6	0.03	8	0.23
New England IPA	Aroma	0.03	0.44	0.14	2.18	0.17
	Bittering	0.03	0.15	0.13	0.74	0.07
	Dry Hop	0.02	2.23	0.12	11.13	0.34
	First Wort	0.03	0.29	0.13	1.46	0.09
	Flavor	0.03	0.2	0.16	1	0.1
	Hop Stand	0.07	0.37	0.33	1.85	0.21
	Whirlpool	0.03	1.54	0.16	7.69	0.25
New England IPA Total		0.02	2.23	0.12	11.13	0.27
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.02	0.57	0.09	2.86	0.14
	Bittering	0.04	0.2	0.19	1	0.08
	Dry Hop	0.05	0.72	0.24	3.61	0.27
	First Wort	0.02	0.14	0.09	0.71	0.07
	Flavor	0.03	0.17	0.13	0.83	0.07
	Hop Stand	0.07	0.53	0.35	2.67	0.25
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.69	0.18	3.44	0.2
American Pale Ale Total		0.02	0.72	0.09	3.61	0.19
Double IPA	Aroma	0.04	0.58	0.21	2.92	0.2
	Bittering	0.04	0.36	0.21	1.82	0.18
	Dry Hop	0.12	0.86	0.59	4.29	0.33
	Whirlpool	0.04	1.2	0.18	6.01	0.24
Double IPA Total		0.04	1.2	0.18	6.01	0.27
Blonde Ale	Aroma	0.04	0.27	0.18	1.34	0.14
	Bittering	0.03	0.1	0.13	0.5	0.07
	Dry Hop	0.11	0.61	0.54	3.03	0.23
	Flavor	0.04	0.09	0.18	0.45	0.06
	Whirlpool	0.05	0.2	0.24	1	0.1
Blonde Ale Total		0.03	0.61	0.13	3.03	0.14

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
American IPA	Aroma	0.17	5.21	3.33	104.2	1.26
	Bittering	0.07	4.81	1.3	96.15	1.03
	Dry Hop	0.23	11.98	4.65	239.65	2.41
	First Wort	0.17	1.36	3.47	27.23	0.68
	Flavor	0.21	4.81	4.17	96.15	0.84
	Hop Stand	1.3	1.69	26.09	33.9	1.55
	Hopback	1.11	2.4	22.11	47.97	1.8
	Whirlpool	0.05	7.99	0.91	159.77	1.75
American IPA Total		0.05	11.98	0.91	239.65	1.74
New England IPA	Aroma	0.21	3.26	4.17	65.22	1.27
	Bittering	0.19	1.11	3.75	22.22	0.53
	Dry Hop	0.18	16.67	3.7	333.33	2.54
	First Wort	0.19	2.18	3.74	43.61	0.68
	Flavor	0.24	1.5	4.76	29.96	0.77
	Hop Stand	0.5	2.76	10	55.3	1.61
	Whirlpool	0.25	11.52	4.93	230.44	1.85
New England IPA Total		0.18	16.67	3.7	333.33	2.01
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.13	4.28	2.64	85.59	1.06
	Bittering	0.29	1.5	5.71	29.96	0.59
	Dry Hop	0.36	5.41	7.27	108.11	2
	First Wort	0.13	1.06	2.64	21.24	0.5
	Flavor	0.2	1.25	4	25	0.49
	Hop Stand	0.52	4	10.34	80	1.87
	Whirlpool	0.26	5.16	5.26	103.15	1.47
American Pale Ale Total		0.13	5.41	2.64	108.11	1.38
Double IPA	Aroma	0.31	4.38	6.24	87.5	1.52
	Bittering	0.31	2.72	6.24	54.47	1.33
	Dry Hop	0.89	6.42	17.7	128.39	2.5
	Whirlpool	0.27	9	5.45	180	1.8
Double IPA Total		0.27	9	5.45	180	1.98
Blonde Ale	Aroma	0.27	2	5.35	40	1.03
	Bittering	0.2	0.75	4	15	0.5
	Dry Hop	0.81	4.55	16.26	90.91	1.73
	Flavor	0.27	0.68	5.35	13.63	0.45
	Whirlpool	0.36	1.5	7.14	30	0.78
Blonde Ale Total		0.2	4.55	4	90.91	1.03

*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.

Comparative Hopping: Substitutes and Pairings

Finding the perfect hop pairings is like setting up a playdate for flavors in your beer. Vic Secret plays nice with Citra for a full-on tropical storm. Or with Amarillo to bring out a citrus twist. In a pinch, Simcoe could step in as a substitute.

But it’s more like a cousin than a twin. Close, but no cigar.

Sweet Pals for Vic Secret:
- Citra: For that tropical flavor hurricane.
- Amarillo: Adds a sun-kissed citrus vibe.
Substitutes If Vic’s Away:
- Simcoe: Kind of similar, but not quite twin-sy.
- Mosaic: Also not exact, but pretty close.

What else? Go with bittering hops that provide clean bitterness. And in case you want to underline more of those piney-resinous notes Chinook could be your best bud.

Galaxy hops are a stellar choice, bringing similar tropical fruit and citrus vibes to the party. Other great options are Citra and Amarillo. They add a burst of citrus and tropical fruit flavors. If you’re after something a bit more complex, Mosaic can also step in.

Offering a delightful mix of fruity and earthy tones.

Remember, Vic Secret hops are like an Avenger for your craft beer. Versatile, punchy, and sure to add a cheeky flair no matter what beer style you’re brewing. Give it a go, and your taste buds might just go on a flavor expedition they won’t soon forget.

Cultivation and Production of Vic Secret

So you fancy yourself as a hops connoisseur, do you?

Let’s talk dirt and travel with Vic Secret™ hops from farm to your frosty mug.

Farming Practices

First things first, if you want to charm the Vic Secret™ hops into growing, you’ll need to coax them into the soil with a little care and a whole lot of love. Successful hop growers like you know that sandy, well-drained loam soil with a pH of a friendly 6.0 to 7.0 is just the ticket.

You’ll tuck those rhizomes in at least four inches deep and give them room to stretch out.

Think around 3 to 5 feet between each plant. Nobody likes a crowded dance floor.

But here’s the kicker. These particular hops are the brainchild of Hop Products Australia (HPA). And, trust me, they’ve got that Aussie magic touch. Word on the street is HPA introduced Vic Secret™ to the world after its birth in 2000.

And let it loose for commercial production in 2013.

Since then, it’s been like a rockstar in the hop world. Just a little less messy.

Global Distribution

Vic Secret™ hops have strutted their stuff on the global stage and made themselves a household name in beer circles. Well, in circles where people fuss about what’s in their pint, anyway.

As an Australian-born star with a European twist in its lineage, Vic Secret™ has hopped onto the scene. And it’s taking it over with its pineapple and pine notes that’ll practically tickle your tongue.

And let’s not forget the brewers.

They’re flipping over this hop’s zesty tropical charisma and high alpha acid. Making it a dual-purpose wizard both in throwdown bittering and late-stage hop additions for an aroma that’ll sweep you off your feet.

You might find yourself sneaking these into your brew, just like any crafty brew-artisan would. To give your beer an edge that’ll have everyone begging for your secret. Spoiler: It’s Vic, from down under.

The Market and Vic Secret Hops

Hey brew aficionado, step into the market of Vic Secret hops, where the crafting magic starts. Snagging these gems can kick your brews up a notch with their shiny alpha acid numbers.

Purchasing Options

Feel like a kid in a candy store, because when it comes to grabbing some Vic Secret hops, you’re spoiled for choice. You can snag them in pellet form, making them a breeze to store and use. Here’s the deal:

Online Stores: Sites like Amazon are brimming with hop options; just a few clicks and you’ve got ’em!
Local Suppliers: Get chummy with local merchants who specialize in brewing supplies – they might just have the freshest stash.
Direct from Farms: Go straight to the hop heartlands for the just-picked experience.

And remember, freshness is key.

Old hops can be more of a tragic tale than a love story for your beer.

Impact on Craft Beer Culture

Craft beer buffs, take note! Vic Secret hops are the life of the party in hop-forward brews. With an alpha acid content usually punching between 15-20%, these high alpha sprouts pack a kick.

Check out these hop-ditty details:

Alpha Acid Content: 14-21.8% – your go-to for a bold bitterness boost.
Total Oils (ml/100g): Generously oiled up for an aromatic extravaganza.
Alpha-Beta Ratio: A higher alpha to beta ratio means balanced bitter profile.
Quality: Top-notch! Flaunting tropical notes of passionfruit and pineapple, they’re like a vacation in a hop.

You dive right in and make some waves in the craft beer scene.

Vic Secret hops are your ticket to turning the bland into the grand.

So grab your pint glass, my brewing buddy.

And let’s make some hop magic with Vic Secret. We’re not just brewing beer. We’re throwing a hop party, and Vic Secret is the guest of honor. Here’s to the hop that’s as secretive as your browser history during a holiday sale.

Let’s brew a batch that’s as exciting as finding a hidden beach full of mermaids.

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