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Crystal
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About
Despite a relatively low yield, Crystal's has made it a fairly popular hop. It's woodsy, green, floral and fruity with herb and spice notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper. Extremely versatile, it's even used for its notable aromatic qualities in IPAs and Bitters despite its low alpha acid content.
Origin
Crystal is a triploid aroma-type cultivar, released for commercial production in 1993. It originates from a seedling selection (No. 8309-37) made at Corvallis in 1983 between the colchicine - induced tetraploid 'Hallertau Mittelfrüher' (USDA 21397) and the diploid male downy mildew resistant aroma hop, USDA 21381 M. Crystal is half sister of Mt Hood and Liberty.
Flavor & Aroma Characteristics
PassionfruitLimeCamomile BlossomApricotLemon GrassWoodyFloralTangerineLemongrassSpicyGreenFruityCinnamonNutmegBlack Pepper
Recommended Beer Styles
BitterPilsnerLight LagerGolden AleNut Brown AlePale AleIndia Pale AleStoutChocolate StoutAmerican Lager
Substitutes
LibertyMount HoodGerman HallertauUltraStrisselspalterHersbruckerHallertau DEMounthoodStrisselspaltHallertau
Oil Composition
Myrcene
≥47%
Humulene
≥26%
Caryophyllene
≥7%
Acid Profile
Alpha Acid2.8 - 4.4%
Beta Acid5.8 - 7.0%
Co-Humulone21-26%
Technical Details
Total Oil0.8-2.1 mL/100g
HSI0.35
Flavor Intensity6/10
Brewing Uselate addition, dry hop, whirlpool
StorabilityRetains 65% alpha acid after 6 months storage at 20°C (68°F)