The Complete Guide to Noble Hops

Here are three reasons why noble hops have long been some of the most-respected and well-established hop varieties from around the world:

Terrific Terroir

Consider noble hops in the same way you would prized wine grapes. Just like grapes have certain terroir, or unique characteristics based on where they’re grown, noble hops pick up distinct traits based on the environment around them.

For instance, Tettnanger hops originate from Tettnang, Germany, imparting distinctive herbal and spicy notes.

And Saaz hops, which come from the Czech city Žatec (known in German as Saaz), are known for being earthy, herbal, grassy, floral, and spicy.

And just like Champagne is only considered “real” if it comes from the eponymous region in France, noble hop varieties are only deemed “true” if they originate from a specific place.

So while you can actually find Tettnanger hops also grown in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S., only Tettnanger hops from the area around Tettnang, Germany, are considered the true noble variety.

Excellent for European Styles

This may be a bit of generalization, but American or Southern Hemisphere hops tend to be juicier or more hop-forward, making them perfect for a variety of IPAs, pale ales, hazies, etc.

On the other hand, noble hops impart a more floral or herbal bitterness (thanks to a lower alpha acid range of 3-5.5 percent) and help give beer a nice clean mouthfeel. This makes noble hops better for classic European beers—German and Czech pilsners, German lagers, and Belgian ales, to name a few.

Heralded as High Quality

Actually only coined as a term in the 1970s or ‘80s, “noble hop” may be a bit of a marketing ploy more than anything, but the phrase does serve a specific purpose.

Giving a distinct air of nobility to this crop of Old World hops, the words ”noble hop” denote hops of exceptional quality.

We’ve put together a complete list of noble hops along with some essential information to know about each including: description, type, alpha acid range, aroma notes, best beer styles, and possible substitutions.

Editor’s Note: Consider this a cheat sheet. We’re not brewers, so we can’t proclaim this is the most exhaustive guide. For that reason, we’ve sourced all of the information below from a few very reputable hop vendors, merchants, and growers.* All descriptions and alpha acid ranges come courtesy of Yakima Chief Hops (YCH), one of the most respected hop merchants in the business. The aroma notes and best beer styles come from a combination of research from YCH and Yakima Valley Hops. And the substitution suggestions are courtesy of YCH and Beer Maverick.

* To get the best and most up-to-date information on any hop variety, be sure to ask your own vendors, hop merchants, or hop growers.

What About Southern Hemisphere Hops?

Check out: The Complete Guide to Southern Hemisphere Hops

What About American Hops?

Check out: The Complete Guide to All American Hop Varieties