IPA beers are known for their bold flavours, intense aromas, and unique hoppy character. The secret behind these qualities lies in the hops—those tiny green cones that transform an ordinary brew into a flavour-packed masterpiece. If you're a craft beer enthusiast or just starting to explore IPAs, understanding which hops are used and why can deepen your appreciation of this iconic beer style. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best hops for IPAs, focusing on crowd-favourites like Citra, Mosaic, and a few others.
Citra: The King of Fruit-Forward Hops
Citra is arguably one of the most popular hops in the craft beer world. Known for its vibrant citrusy profile, Citra adds notes of grapefruit, lime, and orange, often accompanied by tropical fruit hints like passion fruit or mango. Its normally the go-to hop for juicy, fruit-forward IPAs.
Best used in: New England IPAs (NEIPAs) and hazy IPAs.
Flavour profile: Citrus, tropical fruits, and slight floral undertones.
Mosaic: A Complex Powerhouse
Mosaic hops live up to their name, offering a complex “mosaic” of flavours. This versatile hop delivers an array of fruity notes, from blueberry to papaya, along with earthy and piney undertones. It’s prized for its ability to add depth and dimension to IPAs.
Best used in: Single-hop IPAs, West Coast IPAs, and mixed-hop blends.
Flavour profile: Berry, tropical fruit, earthy pine, and citrus.
Simcoe: The Backbone of Classic IPAs
Simcoe is a dual-purpose hop, meaning it can be used for both bittering and aroma. Known for its earthy, piney, and resinous character, it’s a staple in classic West Coast IPAs. Simcoe also contributes subtle fruity notes like apricot, making it a well-rounded choice for brewers.
Best used in: West Coast IPAs and Double IPAs (DIPAs).
Flavour profile: Pine, earthiness, and hints of stone fruit.
Amarillo: A Burst of Orange
Amarillo hops bring a strong orange-citrus flavour to the table, often described as floral and zesty. These hops shine in IPAs that aim for a refreshing, balanced profile. Amarillo pairs well with other citrusy hops like Citra or Cascade.
Best used in: Session IPAs and citrus-forward IPAs.
Flavour profile: Orange, floral, and herbal.
Galaxy: A Taste of the Tropics
Hailing from Australia, Galaxy hops bring an intense tropical fruit character that’s hard to ignore. Passion fruit, peach, and pineapple dominate its profile, making it a favourite for juicy and hazy IPAs.
Best used in: New England IPAs and single-hop IPAs.
Flavour profile: Passion fruit, peach, and pineapple.
Cascade: The Pioneer of American Hops
The hop that helped define American craft beer. Known for its balanced citrus and floral character, Cascade offers a lighter, classic hop flavour compared to newer varieties. It’s often used in conjunction with more robust hops for added complexity. Sierra Nevada’s iconic “Pale Ale” features this hop heavily.
Best used in: American Pale Ales and balanced IPAs.
Flavour profile: Citrus, floral, and hints of spice.
Blending Hops for Complexity
While many breweries create single-hop IPAs to showcase a particular variety, blending hops is where true artistry comes into play. Combining hops like Citra and Mosaic can create a beer that’s both juicy and complex, while pairing Simcoe with Amarillo might result in a more balanced beer.
