Kvasny Prum. 2009; 55(7-8): 170-176 | DOI: 10.18832/kp2009017

Czech aroma hop variety.Peer-reviewed article

Karel KROFTA, Vladimír NESVADBA, Alexandr MIKYŠKA, Danuša HAŠKOVÁ

¹ Chmelařský institut s.r.o., Žatec

² Výzkumný ústav pivovarský a sladařský a. s.

The variety Harmonie was first registered in the year 2004. It is a multiple hybrid with its origin in the varieties Saaz aroma variety (55%), Premiant (31%), Northern Brewer (12%) and Fuggle (2%). Red coloured hop bines and hop cones of cylindrical form are characteristic for this variety. The crop ranges from 2.0 to 2.5 t/ha. It has medium resistance against fungoid diseases, peronospora and mildew (Pseudoperonospora humuli, Sphaerotheca humuli). Because of the composition of the hop resins, and especially because of the well-balanced content of α- and β-bitter acids, the variety Harmonie is ranked among the hybrid aromatic hops. The content of α-bitter acids varied in the range of 4-8% w, with the content of cohumulone in the range of 19-22% rel. The total content of resins ranged from 22 to 26% w. The content of essential oils in the hops ranged from 1 to 2% and corresponded with the contents from other varieties of Czech hybrid hops. The composition is distinguished by the absence of β-farnesen and the presence of large amounts of α- and β-selinens (10 to 19% rel.). The content of hop polyphenols ranging from 2.7 to 3.5% w was almost at the same level as in varieties Sládek, Premiant and Agnus. The content of xanthohumol ranged from 0.4 to 0.7% w. Brewing tests for the variety Harmonie performed in both, bench and pilot trials proved that the variety Harmonie is very probably suitable for the production of "Czech beer". The recommendation will be provided after the evaluation of further brewing tests in the year 2009. Due to the brewing utilisation the variety Harmonie lines up with the varieties Sládek and Premiant. The high content of β-acids, comparable to the variety Sládek adds a pleasant bitter character to the beers.The variety Harmonie was first registered in the year 2004. It is a multiple hybrid with its origin in the varieties Saaz aroma variety (55%), Premiant (31%), Northern Brewer (12%) and Fuggle (2%). Red coloured hop bines and hop cones of cylindrical form are characteristic for this variety. The crop ranges from 2.0 to 2.5 t/ha. It has medium resistance against fungoid diseases, peronospora and mildew (Pseudoperonospora humuli, Sphaerotheca humuli). Because of the composition of the hop resins, and especially because of the well-balanced content of α- and β-bitter acids, the variety Harmonie is ranked among the hybrid aromatic hops. The content of α-bitter acids varied in the range of 4-8% w, with the content of cohumulone in the range of 19-22% rel. The total content of resins ranged from 22 to 26% w. The content of essential oils in the hops ranged from 1 to 2% and corresponded with the contents from other varieties of Czech hybrid hops. The composition is distinguished by the absence of β-farnesen and the presence of large amounts of α- and β-selinens (10 to 19% rel.). The content of hop polyphenols ranging from 2.7 to 3.5% w was almost at the same level as in varieties Sládek, Premiant and Agnus. The content of xanthohumol ranged from 0.4 to 0.7% w. Brewing tests for the variety Harmonie performed in both, bench and pilot trials proved that the variety Harmonie is very probably suitable for the production of "Czech beer". The recommendation will be provided after the evaluation of further brewing tests in the year 2009. Due to the brewing utilisation the variety Harmonie lines up with the varieties Sládek and Premiant. The high content of β-acids, comparable to the variety Sládek adds a pleasant bitter character to the beers.

Keywords: hops, beer, selection of hops, hop resins, α-acids, essential oils in hops

Published: July 1, 2009