Wye Viking Hops Conquest: Picking the Perfect Brew Battlefield
Wye Viking hops are one of the least heroes of the brewing world, often overlooked but packing a punch of flavor. Bred at Wye College in England, they don’t wear horned helmets, but they do bring a certain ‘oomph’ to your beer.
Launched into the beer scene in 1973, they’ve got a lineage that’s as noble as any saga. Being siblings with Wye Saxon and grandchildren of the legendary Bramling Cross. Picture this: every sip of a Wye Viking-infused brew…
…takes you on a historical flavor adventure, sans the longboats.
If you’re a brewer, homebrew hero, or just someone who’s curious about beer crafting, get your tankards ready. Wye Viking hops aren’t just for any ale. They play well with certain styles that crave their unique kick.
Their low-key profile is floral, earthy, slightly spicy, and perfect for the beer that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. It’s the quiet confidence in a sea of shouty hops. Use them in your next batch, and you’ll be the talk of the town.
Or at least your local tavern. Or your backyard…
Key Takeaways
- Wye Viking hops offer a resinous and slightly spicy profile suitable for nuanced beer flavors.
- This hop variety was historically developed at Wye College, adding a traditional touch to modern brewing.
- Best suited for ales that crave a subtle yet distinctive hop character.
The Lore of the Wye Viking Hops
You’re about to hop into the world of Wye Viking Hops. A gem of a find for those with a nose for quality and character in their brew. And something truly unique. Let’s dig into its storied past and how it comes to life each season.
A Brief History: From Wye College to Worldwide
Once upon a not-so-distant past, there was this green-thumbed bunch over at Wye College in England who played matchmaker with hops. In 1968, they introduced Svalof to an unnamed English gent and, bam!
The Wye Viking hops were born.
Like many great British invasion bands, these hops had their official world tour debut in 1973. You could say they’re like the hop version of a British rock star. Quintessentially English and universally loved. Although they aren’t.
This variety is almost completely forgotten.
But that’s what makes it so special.
Not just any old hop, Wye Viking is related to some hop nobility. With grandparent hops like Bramling Cross and Northdown chucking some good genes into the mix. And they’re a green bunch too.
Literally and environmentally. Grown in the lush English countryside. Where the rain is plenty. And the summer beats those English rainclouds into submission just long enough to grow some mighty fine hops.
Cultivating Viking Warriors: Growing and Harvesting
When it comes to growing these verdant warriors, think of the English rolling hills as their Valhalla. Wye Viking hops dig the moderate English climate. Which must be like their version of perfect hop heaven.
Your typical Viking might have battled with sword and shield, but these plants?
They go to war against downy mildew and come out with barely a scratch.
Verticillium wilt might sound like the end of days, but Wye Viking hops take on this plight like a champ. These hops are said to be resistant to downy mildew, making them the durable option for farmers and the dependable choice…
…for homebrewers looking to keep their hop supply steady.
You’ve got the short, sprightly growing season when the hops shoot up faster than a giddy goat on a mountain path. Harvest time? It’s a hop-picking fiesta. That’s when these green beauties get plucked at their peak.
Ready to swing their aromatic punches into your pint glass.
The Aromatic Quest: Alpha and Beta Acids and Aroma Profile
Hey there, beer explorer! If you’ve got your brewing boots on, let’s hop into the world of Wye Viking Hops. In the green corners of the UK, someone clearly thought “Viking” sounded cooler than “Hop Number 72,” so here we are.
Main Characteristics
- Purpose: Dual / Universal
- Aromas: Resinous, Floral, Spicy
- Notes: Herbal, Earthy, Woody
- Alpha-acids: 8.0% – 10.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
- Beta-acids: 4.0% – 5.0% [bitterness added through maturation]
- Cohumulone: 21% – 24% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
- Hops oil breakdown: around 1.16 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: around 47.3% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: around 10.5% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: around 5.3% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: around 9.1% [fresh, green, floral]
From Alpha to Beta Journey
Alpha acids, you might know, are like the quiet heavy lifters of the hop world. They bring the bitterness that keeps your beer’s sweetness in check. Wye Viking hops flex with rather high alpha acids but won’t knock your taste buds overboard.
Instead, give your ale a balanced bitterness that’s just right.
Now, onto beta acids. These are like the overlooked siblings of alpha acids, often playing second fiddle in the bitterness band. They’re the slow burn in the hoppy aftertaste, adding depth long after the ale’s gone down the hatch.
Viking hops come with a beta acid content lower than their alpha siblings.
But they’re no less important in the long run.
Aromas and Oil Compounds
When it comes to the aroma, let’s talk about the essential oil all-stars: myrcene, humulene and caryophyllene. Imagine myrcene as the life of the party in Wye Viking’s profile, giving you that burst of resinous woody goodness. Humulene swings in with herbal vibe.
And caryophyllene is the cool cousin with a spicy edge.
Adding a kick of pepper to your pint.
And now the kicker: high farnesene is responsible for that floral flair.
Ah one more thing, Wye Viking has a divine hoppy aroma.
So, what beer style suits this hoppy hero? Picture a cozy English pub with a pint of Pale Ale or Extra Special Bitter. Wye Viking hops will swirl in, tipping the aroma scales towards a traditional English garden than a tropical fruit fiesta.
Perfect for a brew that’s smooth, aromatic, and with a cheeky bit of character.
Viking Brews: Ideal Beer Styles for Wye Viking Hops
Alright, picture this: Wye Viking hops in one hand, your homebrew kit in the other. It’s a match made in beer heaven. Trust me, these hops are the underdogs of the homebrew world.
Let’s dive into the perfect beer styles that’ll make your homebrew the toast of the town.
And toss you some tips to get that batch brewing like a pro.
Exploring Flavor Avenues: Complementary Beer Types
Wye Viking hops bring the oomph with their striking 8-10% alpha acids. Meaning they’re born ready to add some hoppy charisma to your brew. Thinking of an American Brown Ale? Ah boy, you’re on the money with this one!
Those chocolatey and caramel notes will be doing a happy dance with the earthy tones of these hops. But don’t stop there. Ever thought about an English Bitter? Their easy-going nature makes them best buddies with the subtle woodiness of Viking hops.
- American Ale: Like the heroic duo in an action movie, Wye Viking hops and American Ales make epic brewing partners.
- Pale Ale: For a beer that’s as chill as a lounge lizard, pair these hops with a Pale Ale and watch the flavors sing.
- Lager: If you’re a fan of lagers, throw in some Viking hops for a brew that’s cooler than a cucumber with sunglasses.
Homebrewing with Viking Hops: Recipes and Tips
Roll up your sleeves, because we’re about to get crafty. Starting an all-grain batch? You’re in for a treat. Remember, Viking hops have a personality, so use about 1.5 ounces for a 5-gallon batch to keep them from stealing the show.
- Batch Sizes: Think about 5 gallons to start – it’s like the small stage before your beer hits the big time.
- Recipes: Keep it simple, friend. A solid American Brown Ale recipe with these hops will have your pals begging for more.
- Brew Tips: Got your Viking hops ready? Great! Toss them into the boil during the last 15 minutes to capture that aroma that’ll make your neighbors jealous.
And there you have it, a bit of mischief and mastery with Wye Viking hops and the beer styles that love them. You’re ready to brew some trailblazing ales that might just make you a legend in your own backyard. Cheers to that!
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
