Origins of Eclipse Hops
The Eclipse Hops, a relatively new variety in the world of brewing, were first cultivated in Australia. This unique hop variety was developed by Hop Products Australia (HPA), one of the leading hop growers in the world, known for their innovative and experimental approach to hop breeding. Eclipse Hops were released to the market in 2020 after a period of rigorous testing and development.
The genesis of Eclipse Hops can be traced back to a unique breeding program initiated by HPA in 2004. This program aimed to develop new hop varieties that could offer distinctive flavors and aromas to the brewing industry. The breeding process involved cross-pollinating different hop varieties to create new and unique offspring. Eclipse Hops were one of the successful outcomes of this breeding program. They are a testament to the continuous efforts of hop growers and breeders to introduce exciting new flavors into the world of beer.
Despite being a newcomer, the Eclipse Hops have quickly gained popularity for their unique flavor profile. They have been lauded for their versatility and ability to enhance a wide range of beer styles. Homebrewers and professional brewers alike have embraced this hop variety, experimenting with it in various beer recipes and styles.
The name ‘Eclipse’ was inspired by the hop’s ability to overshadow or ‘eclipse’ other flavors in beer, highlighting its own distinctive characteristics. This hop variety promises to bring new possibilities and excitement to the brewing community, and it will be interesting to see how its use and popularity evolve over time.
Characteristics of Eclipse Hops
The Eclipse hop variety is a relatively new addition to the world of beer brewing, but it has quickly gained attention for its unique flavor profile and versatility in brewing. When utilized in a beer recipe, Eclipse hops offer a range of complex flavors that can greatly enhance the overall taste and aroma of the brew.
Eclipse hops are known for their high alpha acid content, usually ranging between 15% and 18.5%. This high alpha acid content makes Eclipse hops ideal for providing a strong bittering element in beer recipes. However, it’s not just the bitterness that makes Eclipse hops stand out. These hops also introduce a range of fruity and floral notes to a brew. Beer enthusiasts often describe the flavor profile of Eclipse hops as a mix of mandarin orange, citrus, and subtle hints of spice.
Notably, Eclipse hops have a robust oil profile, particularly Myrcene, which accounts for the fruity characteristics, and Humulene, contributing to the hop’s subtle earthy and woodsy notes. This complex combination of flavors makes Eclipse hops a favorite among homebrewers and professional brewers alike.
When it comes to the growth and harvest of Eclipse hops, they are typically harvested in late March to early April. Originating from Australia, these hops thrive in climates that have hot summers and mild winters. The hop cones are medium-sized and have a compact structure. The hops are carefully dried after harvest to maintain their potent flavor and aroma.
In summary, the Eclipse hop variety is a unique and versatile hop that offers a strong bittering element alongside a distinctive blend of fruity and floral notes. Whether you’re a seasoned homebrewer or just starting your brewing journey, Eclipse hops can add an exciting twist to your beer recipes.
Appropriate Beer Styles for Eclipse Hops
The Eclipse Hops variety brings a unique flavor profile that makes it versatile in brewing different styles of beer. Its high alpha acid content, which ranges from 15 to 18.5%, makes it ideal for producing beers with a strong hop character. However, its distinct flavors and aromas also make it a great choice for styles that highlight these characteristics.
One of the styles where Eclipse Hops shines is in the brewing of American IPAs. The citrusy and fruity aromas of this hop variety can provide a refreshing and engaging twist to this beer style. The high alpha acid content also allows it to contribute significantly to the bitterness expected in an IPA, balancing the malty sweetness.
Eclipse Hops can also be used effectively in crafting Pale Ales. The slight hint of mandarin in its flavor profile can create an intriguing and unique take on this classic beer style. Additionally, its resinous characteristics can balance the malt richness often found in Amber and Red Ales.
Stouts and Porters can also benefit from the inclusion of Eclipse Hops. While these styles are typically malt-forward, adding Eclipse Hops can give them an extra layer of complexity. The hints of tropical fruit and citrus can subtly come through, providing an interesting contrast to the roasted, chocolatey flavors typical of these styles.
Lastly, Eclipse Hops can also be used in brewing Lagers. Its clean bitterness can help to create a crisp finish, while its unique aroma can add a differentiating factor to your Lager recipes. However, due to its strong flavor profile, brewers should be careful not to overpower the delicate nuances of this beer style.
Regardless of the beer style, brewing with Eclipse Hops provides opportunities to experiment and create beers with a unique and exciting flavor profile.
How to incorporate Eclipse Hops into your recipe
The Eclipse hop variety is quite versatile and can be incorporated into your beer recipe at different stages of the brewing process, depending on the flavor and aroma profile you desire. As a bittering hop, Eclipse Hops can be added early in the boil to provide a balanced bitterness that enhances the malt flavors of your beer.
If you’re more interested in capturing the unique flavor and aroma characteristics of Eclipse Hops, a late addition during the boil or even dry hopping is recommended. This can help carry forward the hop’s distinct flavors and aromas, such as mandarin, citrus, and pine, into the final beer product. When brewing beer using Eclipse Hops, it’s worth noting that this hop variety has a high alpha acid content, which can contribute to a more pronounced bitterness if used in large amounts. Hence, it’s essential to balance this bitterness with the other flavors in your beer recipe.
Another method of incorporating Eclipse Hops into your recipe is by using them in a hop stand or whirlpool. This method involves adding the hops after the boil has finished but while the wort is still hot, typically around 170-180 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows for the extraction of volatile oils and flavors without contributing significantly to the bitterness of the beer, which can be an excellent way of capturing the complex flavor profile of Eclipse hops.
For homebrewing with Eclipse Hops, experimentation is key. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it in subsequent batches until you achieve the desired flavor and aroma. Remember, brewing is as much an art as it is a science, so don’t be afraid to try different methods and see what works best for your beer recipe.
Where to buy Eclipse Hops
If you’re interested in homebrewing with Eclipse Hops or simply want to try out this variety in your next beer recipe, there are several places where you can purchase them. It’s essential to remember that the availability of Eclipse Hops can depend on your location and the time of year, as hops are usually harvested once a year.
One of the first places to look for Eclipse Hops is local homebrew supply shops. These stores cater specifically to homebrewers and usually have a wide variety of hop varieties available, including the Eclipse variety. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and ask if they have them in stock.
If you’re unable to find Eclipse Hops locally, there are many online retailers that sell hops to homebrewers. Websites such as Yakima Valley Hops, Hops Direct, and Northern Brewer have extensive selections of hops, and often carry the Eclipse variety. These sites typically allow you to buy hops in various quantities, from small packets to whole pounds, depending on your brewing needs.
Another possible source of Eclipse Hops could be directly from growers. Some hop farms sell their products directly to consumers, either through their websites or at local farmers’ markets. This can be a great way to get fresh, high-quality hops, although availability will depend on the farm’s location and harvest schedule.
When purchasing Eclipse Hops, whether online or in person, it’s important to ensure they have been properly stored and are not past their freshness date. Hops should be kept in a cool, dark place and sealed in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and aroma characteristics.
With a little research and effort, you should be able to find a source of Eclipse Hops that fits your brewing needs and allows you to explore the unique flavor profile of this hop variety in your beers.