Woody and Spicy • Mild Floral Aroma • An American Take on Hallertau
Crystal is an American aroma hop released by Oregon State University in 1993, bred from Hallertau with Cascade, Brewer's Gold and Early Green in its lineage. It is often described as an American version of Hallertau Mittelfruh, with a little more spice and wood.
Our lot measures 4.9% alpha acid, which keeps it in the gentle range where late additions add aroma rather than bitterness.
Flavor & Aroma Profile
- Woody
- Black pepper and cinnamon spice
- Mild floral notes
- Light herbal character
- Soft, clean bitterness
Early additions give a smooth, mild bitterness. Late additions and dry hops bring out the spicy, woody side that sets it apart from the German noble hops it descends from.
Brewing Applications
Crystal works in a wide range of lighter and malt-forward styles, including:
- American Pale Ale
- Extra Special Bitter
- Pilsner
- Kolsch
- Belgian Ale
- Cream Ale
It is also a good choice for lagers and English-style ales where a mild, spicy hop fits better than a fruity one.
Usage Recommendations
For a 5 gallon batch, use 1 oz at 60 minutes for a mild bittering charge and 1 oz at 5 to 15 minutes or flameout for aroma. In an ESB or pale ale, 1 oz as a dry hop adds a woody, spicy note behind the malt.
Pair it with Cascade in American pale ales, or with German Tradition or Hallertau in lagers.
Specifications
- Alpha Acid: 4.9% (measured on our lot)
- Flavor Notes: Woody, spicy, floral, herbal
- Typical Use: Aroma, occasionally bittering
- Common Additions: 60 min, 15 min, flameout, dry hop
- Substitutes: Hallertau Mittelfruh, Hersbrucker, Mt. Hood, Liberty
- Beer Styles: Pale ale, ESB, pilsner, Kolsch, Belgian ale
Whether you are brewing an ESB, a pilsner or an American pale ale, Crystal adds a mild, spicy hop character that works quietly in the background.