Hoppy uh… Wednesday everyone…
Clearly, there was no Hoppy Tuesday yesterday but it was a holiday! So, to make it up to you, we’ll do one today. This week’s hop of choice is an oldie-but-a-goody:
Galena was developed by the USDA breeding program in Idaho in 1968. By crossing Brewers Gold with an unknown male variety, Galena burst into the brewing scene as a high alpha bittering hop with a neutral character in 1978. As more bittering varieties started to become available, such as Magnum, Galena faded into the background but alas, not all is lost for this humble hop. In recent years Galena has started to make a comeback because of its late hopping potential. Anyways, enough chit-chat, let’s see what the boys in the lab have to report about this wonderful hop.
Alpha Acids: 13%-15%
Beta Acids: 7.5%-8.5%
Total Oil: 1.3-2.1
Aroma & Flavor Profile: Sweet fruits, pears, pineapple, lime, gooseberry, and pleasant tropical citrus quality. Can have a rustic edge akin to that of Brewers Gold.
Pretty cool right?! Websites and books put this hop into the “bittering” category but that aroma profile opens up Galena to a whole new role. If you’d like to throw this into your next batch swing by the shop or order online and be sure to let us know what you think of Galena. Personally, I’m gonna take a whack at using this hop as a late addition.
See you all next week! Cheers!
