Saaz Hops 100g

Saaz Whole Leaf Hops 100g

Saaz is one of the four original "Noble" hop varieties, celebrated for its delicate floral, herbal, and spicy notes that define traditional European beer styles.

Primarily an aroma hop, Saaz is the cornerstone of classic Czech pilsners and many lagers, offering a subtle complexity that enhances clean, malt-forward recipes.

Whether you're brewing a crisp lager or a yeast-driven Belgian ale, Saaz hops bring refinement and balance, trusted by brewers for centuries.

Saaz Hop Profile

• Origin: Czechia
• Alpha Acid: 2-5%
• Beta Acid: 4-8%
• Characteristics: Floral, herbal, spicy, with a hint of earthiness
• Substitute: Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnang, Spalt
• Harvest: 2023

Key Features

• Classic Noble Hop: Renowned for its refined, balanced aroma and historical significance.
• Mild Bitterness: Ideal for recipes that prioritize subtlety and balance over bold bitterness.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for lagers, pilsners, Belgian ales, and other light, clean beer styles.
• Fresh and Reliable: Carefully bagged and sealed to maintain peak freshness and flavour.

Saaz Hops Flavours

Saaz hops are prized for their subtle and delicate flavour profile, which includes:

• Floral Notes: Soft and perfumed, adding a gentle bouquet to your beer.
• Herbal Undertones: Contributes a fresh, herbal character that pairs well with light malts.
• Spicy Edge: A mild spiciness that provides complexity without overpowering.

Substitutes for Saaz Hops

If Saaz hops aren’t available, these alternatives can deliver a similar noble hop character:

• Hallertau Mittelfrüh: Delicate and floral, with slightly lower spice.
• Tettnang: Offers a clean, herbal profile with light earthy notes.
• Spalt: A mild and balanced noble hop with floral and spicy undertones.

Hop Pairing Suggestions

Saaz hops pair well with other noble or aroma hops to enhance complexity and balance:

• Hallertau: For a classic European lager aroma.
• Styrian Goldings: Adds subtle fruity and floral notes to complement Saaz.
• Cascade: Introduces a modern citrus twist for hybrid styles.

Beer Styles for Saaz Hops

Saaz hops are the quintessential choice for traditional lagers but also work well in other styles.

Common uses include: Pilsners: Adds floral and spicy aromas to balance crisp malts.

• European Lagers: The cornerstone hop for clean, balanced lagers.
• Belgian Ales: Enhances complex yeast-driven flavour's with subtle spice and floral notes.
• Kolsch: Contributes a refined aroma to this light and refreshing style.

Usage Tips

• Aroma Additions: Add Saaz hops late in the boil or during whirlpool for their delicate floral and spicy aroma.
• Mild Bittering: Use in early boil additions for subtle, smooth bitterness.
• Storage: Keep in sealed packaging in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration or freezing is recommended for long-term storage.