When it comes to the world of hops, Amarillo hops stand out as a beloved variety among craft beer enthusiasts and brewers alike. Known for their unique flavour profile and aromatic qualities, Amarillo hops have made a significant impact on the craft beer scene. In this blog post, we will delve into the origins of Amarillo hops, discover their distinctive flavour profile, and explore the beer styles in which they shine.

Origins of Amarillo Hops

Amarillo hops were developed by Virgil Gamache Farms in Washington State, USA. They first emerged in the late 1980s as a cross between a male hop plant of the USDA 63012 variety and a female hop plant of the English Fuggle variety. The Amarillo hop variety quickly gained popularity due to its exceptional aroma and flavour characteristics.

Flavour Profile of Amarillo Hops

Amarillo hops are revered for their intense, complex, and highly aromatic nature. They exhibit a distinct balance of floral, citrus, and tropical fruit notes, making them a favourite choice for adding vibrant hop character to beers. Expect aromas reminiscent of grapefruit, orange zest, lemon, peach, apricot, and even a touch of pine. The aroma and flavour are often described as bold, bright, and highly expressive.

Beer Styles Utilizing Amarillo Hops

Amarillo hops lend themselves well to a wide range of beer styles, contributing their unique flavor profile to create delightful brews. Here are a few beer styles where Amarillo hops are commonly used:

1. American IPAs (India Pale Ales):
Amarillo hops are frequently employed in American IPAs, where their intense citrusy and fruity characteristics shine. These hops can bring a burst of grapefruit, orange, and tropical fruit flavors to the forefront, adding layers of complexity and enhancing the overall hop bitterness.

2. Pale Ales:
In pale ales, Amarillo hops provide a captivating aroma and flavor, balancing the malt sweetness with their citrusy and floral notes. They contribute a refreshing and vibrant quality to the beer, elevating the overall drinking experience.

3. American Wheat Ales:
Amarillo hops can bring a zesty and bright character to American wheat ales. They complement the light and crisp wheat malt base, adding a touch of citrus and enhancing the beer’s refreshing qualities.

4. Speciality and Experimental Beers:
Craft brewers often incorporate Amarillo hops into speciality and experimental beers to explore new flavour combinations. From fruity and hazy New England IPAs to unique farmhouse ales and creative hybrid styles, Amarillo hops contribute their distinct profile to these innovative brews.

Beers Using Amarillo Hops

1. Two Hearted Ale by Bell’s Brewery: This American IPA showcases the beautiful flavours and aromas of Amarillo hops, providing a balance of citrus and floral notes that complement its malt backbone.

2. Dale’s Pale Ale by Oskar Blues Brewery: Amarillo hops contribute to the hop-forward character of this classic American pale ale. Expect a citrusy and piney hop profile alongside a caramel malt sweetness.

3. Hop Slam Ale by Bell’s Brewery: Known for its intense hop aroma and flavour, this seasonal double IPA incorporates Amarillo hops among other varieties. It offers a burst of grapefruit, orange, and tropical fruit flavours.

4. Dead Guy Ale by Rogue Ales: Amarillo hops lend their distinctive touch to this German-style Maibock. Expect a floral and citrusy hop presence that enhances the caramel and toffee malt flavours.

5. Zombie Dust by 3 Floyds Brewing Co.: This highly sought-after American pale ale showcases Amarillo hops, providing a juicy and citrus-forward experience with notes of grapefruit, orange, and tropical fruit.

6. Racer 5 IPA by Bear Republic Brewing Co.: With Amarillo hops playing a prominent role, this West Coast IPA delivers a burst of citrus and pine flavours alongside a well-balanced malt backbone.

7. Bodhi by Columbus Brewing Company: A double IPA that prominently features Amarillo hops, Bodhi offers an explosion of tropical fruit, citrus, and floral aromas, resulting in a juicy and flavorful beer.

How to Brew With Simcoe Hops

Amarillo hops are a popular choice for American craft brewers who like to use citrusy and tropical flavors in their beer. It can be used as a primary hop or as an aromatic addition. Amarillo is a solid bittering hop that provides 9-11% alpha acids. Its high myrcene oil content (60-70%) imparts a sweet citrus flavour and aroma. Amarillo hops give beer a strong citrus and resin flavour, with hints of grapefruit, tangerine and pine. They are often used for aromas and bittering.

Cheers to the Aromatic Wonders of Amarillo Hops

Amarillo hops have carved a niche for themselves in the world of craft beer, offering a distinctive flavour profile that captures the essence of citrus and tropical fruits. Originating from Washington State, these hops have become synonymous with vibrant and expressive aromas, making them a prized ingredient in a variety of beer styles. Whether it’s a hop-forward IPA or a refreshing wheat ale, Amarillo hops add a touch of brilliance to every brew they grace. So, keep an eye out for beers featuring Amarillo hops and embark on a flavorful journey filled with citrusy and fruity delights.

Remember, Amarillo hops can elevate your beer tasting experience, so don’t hesitate to explore the diverse range of styles and breweries that utilize this exceptional hop variety. Cheers to the aromatic wonders of Amarillo hops!