Relevance of hop terroir for beer flavour

Abstract

Not only variety but also terroir may have a significant impact on the biochemical and brewing characteristics of hops and, consequently, on the resulting beer flavour profile. To date, in contrast to variety-specific effects, comprehensive research data on the impact of terroir on hop brewing characteristics are limited. Therefore, the relevance of hop terroir was further explored with three industrially important hop varieties by examining the consequences of terroir-driven variations in hop characteristics on the sensory attributes and qualities of beer. Eight single-hop beers were produced with T90 hop pellets from distinct cultivation regions worldwide: (i) Amarillo hops grown in Germany, Idaho, or Washington, (ii) Cascade hops grown in Australia, Germany, or Washington, and (iii) Cen