Hops: the aromatic soul of craft beer

Behind every good beer lie a few essential ingredients… but only one is responsible for that unmistakable bitter note that sets a well-poured pint apart: hops. Although they often go unnoticed compared to malt or yeast, without them beer would be a completely different drink. We’ll tell you exactly what they are, what they bring to your favourite beer, and a few interesting facts you probably didn’t know.

What are hops?

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What do hops contribute to beer?

The role of hops is threefold and absolutely crucial:

• Bitterness and balance. The alpha acids in lupulin provide that characteristic bitter flavour which counterbalances the natural sweetness of the malt. It is this contrast that gives beer its balance and character.
• Aroma and nuances. Depending on the variety used, hops can impart floral, citrus, fruity or herbaceous notes. There are over 100 different varieties, broadly classified as bitter hops and aromatic hops.
• Natural preservation. Even before refrigerators existed, hops already served a vital practical purpose: they helped to preserve beer for longer naturally.

They also help give the head more body and keep the bubbles closer together. The brewmaster decides which combination of hops to use and when to add them to the wort, thereby controlling the level of bitterness —measured in IBUs— and the aromatic profile.

Interesting facts you might not have known

• The hop cones used in brewing must be female and unfertilised.
• They can be brewed as a tea for their relaxing effect; brewers use this method to assess the strength and nuances of a particular variety.
• Hop cultivation in Central Europe dates back to the 9th century.
• In Spain, almost all domestically grown hops come from the Órbigo and Tuerto valleys in León.

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La Fábrica de Cerveza Cruzcampo en Soho Málaga

All this aromatic richness comes to life at La Fábrica Cruzcampo in Málaga’s Soho district, our microbrewery in the city’s most artistic neighbourhood. Here, our master brewers craft over 30 varieties a year, experimenting with more than 30 types of malt and hops — and even daring ingredients such as seawater, plankton and kumquat.

The result is Cervezas del Soho, where hops take centre stage in every style: Duende, our refreshing, bitter and aromatic IPAs, where hops reign supreme; Malagueta, Soho’s first craft beer, a light and aromatic APA; and Descará, limited-edition batches featuring our wildest recipes. And alongside them, the Mijilla, the Salerosa, the Arrecía, the Sembrá, the Coraje and the Reliá: nine constantly evolving families, spread across seven taps that are always changing. If you want to truly understand what hops can do, there’s no better plan than popping into La Fábrica, watching the brewing process live and enjoying a freshly poured craft beer. We’ll be waiting for you in Soho, beer in hand. No, not at all.

Tags: Cerveza artesanal