Explanation aroma profiles

In this article we explain our 6 aroma profiles. What specific aromas make a hop fall into an aroma profile?

Each hop variety has its own composition of aromatic oils, which can have for example fruity, spicy and floral aromas. This composition is largely determined by the biological properties of the variety. The soil and climate ensure that these properties actually emerge to a greater or lesser extent.

Hop aromas are of great importance in the final beer. They provide unique properties and shape the character of the beer, so to speak.

In order to provide an overview of our range, we have divided our hops into 6 aroma profiles.

You can expect hops in the same profile to have, to a certain extent, the same dominant aroma. In a sense, they are equivalent; the difference is made in the specific aromas. We determine the aroma profile on the basis of the most dominant aromas.

Looking for a specific aroma? Use our search bar to find them.

Our 6 Aroma Profiles

• Herbs & Spices

  Dominant specific aromas:
  Herbs: Dill - Eucalyptus - Green tea - Juniper - Coriander - Mint - Parsley - Rosemary - Sage - Thyme - Black tea

  Spices: Aniseed - Ginger - Cinnamon - Curry - Cumin - Clove - Pepper - Tonka - Vanilla

  Wood/Resin: Cannabis - Cedar - Pine needles - Resin - Wood - Pine - Tobacco - Twigs

  Hops are by their very nature an herb with their own herbal aromas. Hops also have many aromas that smell of various herbs and spices. Hops in which these specific aromas are dominant are included in this aroma profile. Hops with dominant woody or resinous aromas also belong to this profile.

• Citrus

  Dominant specific aromas:
  Bergamot - Lemon - Lemongrass - Citrus peel - Grapefruit - Lime - Mandarin - Marmalade - Orange

  A fairly dominant fruit aroma in hops is citrus, you can spot it in many varieties. The hops in this profile have citrus as the dominant aroma, other specific aromas are present in the background or almost absent.

• Floral & Green

  Dominant specific aromas:
  Floral: Jasmine - Chamomile - Honeysuckle - Rose - Orange blossom - Fresh flowers - Elderflower

  Green: Dried grass - Hop leaves - Freshly cut grass

  Hops contain aromatic oils that are also found in roses and geraniums. It gives hops similar aromas that are described as floral. By green aromas, we mean aromas tending towards grass and literally the green leaves of the hop.

• Tropical & Melon

  Dominant specific aromas:
  Pineapple - Guava - Kiwi - Coconut - Lychee - Mango - Papaya - Passion fruit

  Cantaloupe - Honeydew melon - Watermelon - Cucumber

  Many newer beer types (New England / Hazy IPAs) contain tropical hop aromas. Hop varieties from the "new world" are known for these aromas. In recent years, European farmers have been catching up and more and more hops with these characteristics are coming from European soil.

• Stone Fruit

  Dominant specific aromas:
  Apricot - Apple - Pear - Peach - Plum

  Hops naturally contain aroma components that have the smell of apples. This is not actually stone fruit, but in combination with other aroma components, most people associate it with stone fruit, which is why we have named this group as such.

• Red Fruits & Berries

  Dominant specific aromas:
  Strawberry - Blueberry - Grape - Cherry - Gooseberry - Blackcurrant

  Perhaps the most remarkable aroma profile. Hops from New Zealand have a reputation for providing berry aromas, whereas in European varieties they can be quite dominant. Red fruit and berries are rarely dominant on their own. In the hops in this profile, however, these aromas are prominent.

Discover our range here and filter by aroma profile.

The aromas described for our hops were created in collaboration with our hop farms. For the description we have used, among others, the Beer Flavor Map by Draughtlab and the Hop Flavour Wheel by Mark Dredge. Questions or remarks? E-mail Nathan!