Do you love Lambics or other sour beers? If you brew this style of beer often, I have the perfect hop for you!
Lambic hops are aged for use in Lambic style beers and sour varieties. They wouldn’t be ideal for other beer styles as they’re very grassy and woody smelling and there are no advertised alpha acids. As they’re aged they also have a level of aromatic cheesiness that you get with aged hops. Not a bad thing as it’s a usual trait with that style of hops. Aging reduces the alpha acids in the hops, so they impart minimal bitterness.
It is important to note that the hops still retain antibacterial properties, which are critical for the spontaneous fermentation process in Lambic beers, where wild yeasts and bacteria are at play. This helps prevent spoilage while allowing the sour funk to develop.
So in Lambic style brewing, hops aren’t used for flavor. They’re used for microbial protection, giving you a tart, cheesy, vinous beer without the bitterness punch you’d expect from fresh hops.
If you’re looking to see what aged hops are about or are making a lambic style beer these are the must have hops!
By Matt Dailey, Oil Creek Brewing Co.
Matt Dailey is an emotional support teacher in Titusville, Pennsylvania. When he’s not brewing you’ll find him spending time with his wife and 2 kids or on the golf course. You can check Matt out on Instagram and Facebook.
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