Typical Use: Aroma
Alpha Acid: 3.0-6.0%
Beta Acid: 6.0-8.5%
Origination: USA
Aroma/Flavour: Woody, Cinnamon, Earthy, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, Fruity
Styles: Pilsner, Bitter, Golden Ale, Brown Ale, IPA, Stout, American Lager, Kolsch
Similar Hops: Liberty, Mount Hood, Hallertau
Bred in 1983 by the USDA, Crystal is a triploid aroma-type cultivar from Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Cascade, Brewer's Gold and Early Green. It is primarily grown in Oregon and has become increasingly popular among craft brewers due to its versatility in a variety of beer styles.
Despite a relatively low yield, Crystal’s character has made it a fairly popular hop. While quite "woodsy" or "green", Crystal also displays spice characteristics of Black Pepper, Nutmeg, and Cinnamon. Due to its low Alpha Acid content, this hop tends to be most suited to flavour and aroma characteristics, however can add a certain "je ne sais quoi" to many styles.
