Image Source: Unsplash
Bullion hops have a rich history and a unique flavor profile that has made them a sought-after ingredient in the brewing world. This article will dive deep into the world of Bullion hops, exploring their history, characteristics, and usage in brewing. We will also discuss how to grow and harvest Bullion hops, their flavor and aroma, substitution options, popular beer styles using this hop, and some commercial examples to help you better understand this intriguing hop variety.
History of Bullion Hops
Bullion hops were first bred in 1919 at Wye College, England, as a sister selection to Brewer’s Gold, another popular hop variety. They originated from a wild hop cutting sourced from Manitoba, Canada. The breeding program that resulted in Bullion was initiated by Professor Ernest Salmon, who aimed to combine the high resin content of American hops with the aroma characteristics of European cultivars.
Bullion hops were officially released for commercial growing in 1938, and at the time, they boasted higher alpha-acid content than most other varieties. However, their popularity waned in the mid-1980s, when brewers opted for higher alpha varieties with better storage stability. Despite their decline in use, Bullion hops have experienced a resurgence in recent years as a unique aroma hop, winning awards and finding their way back into modern brewing recipes.
Characteristics of Bullion Hops
Bullion hops are known for their high alpha-acid content, ranging from 5.3% to 12.5%, making them suitable for bittering purposes. They also have a high yield, producing a heavy crop of medium to large cones. However, they are susceptible to most viruses, which has contributed to their decline in popularity.
Growth and Harvest
Bullion hops are a vigorous, fast-growing variety with a high yield. They are moderately resistant to downy mildew and resistant to verticillium wilt, making them relatively easy to cultivate. Their cones are medium to small in size and heavy, making them easy to harvest. However, Bullion hops have poor storage properties, retaining only 40% to 50% of their alpha-acid content after six months of storage at room temperature.
Flavor and Aroma
Bullion hops offer a unique blend of old and new world characteristics, thanks to their diverse parentage. They are known for their zesty, spicy flavor, with predominantly dark red fruit notes, such as blackcurrant and blackberry. Additionally, they exhibit earthy and herbal aromas, along with a hint of citrus and dark fruit.
How to Brew Beer with Bullion Hops
Bullion hops are versatile and can be used as both a bittering and aroma hop in brewing. Their unique flavor profile makes them suitable for use in various beer styles, particularly darker beers like porters, stouts, and scotch ales. However, some brewers find the bitterness produced by Bullion hops to be slightly harsh, so experimentation is encouraged to determine the best usage for your specific brewing needs.
Brewing Tips
- Bittering: As a high-alpha-acid hop, Bullion can be used for bittering purposes in your brewing process. Its unique flavor profile can add a spicy, earthy touch to your beer.
- Aroma: Bullion hops can also be used as an aroma hop, adding interesting fruit and herbal notes to the finished beer. To achieve this, consider using them as a late addition during the boil or as a dry-hop addition.
- Experimentation: Due to its unique flavor profile, Bullion hops may not be suitable for all beer styles. Experiment with different recipes and hop combinations to find the best use for this intriguing hop variety in your homebrewing endeavors.
Bullion Hop Substitutes
If you’re unable to find Bullion hops for your brewing needs or want to explore alternative hop options, consider the following substitutes:
- Nugget
- Newport
- Horizon
- Brewer’s Gold
These hops may not perfectly replicate Bullion’s unique flavor and aroma, but they can serve as suitable alternatives in your brewing process.
Common Beer Styles Using Bullion Hops
Bullion hops can be used in a variety of beer styles, including:
- Porters
- Stouts
- Scottish Ales
- Bitters
- Dark Lagers
- Old Ales
- Barley Wines
Their unique flavor profile lends itself well to darker, malt-forward beers, where their earthy, spicy, and dark fruit characteristics can meld seamlessly with a robust malt backbone.
Commercial Examples Featuring Bullion Hops
To better understand the flavor and aroma contributions of Bullion hops, consider sampling the following commercial beer examples:
- Black Session IPA from Old Dairy Brewery (UK) – uses green hops from Hukins Hops
- 1770 London Porter from Brumaison Craft Brewing (UK)
- Bullion Pale Ale from Brumaison Craft Brewing (UK)
- Carton of Milk from Carton Brewing (US)
- Ellie’s Brown from Avery Brewing (US) – also uses Cascade and Sterling
- Autumn Pale from Cellar Head Brewing (England) – also uses Fuggles
- The Beast from Avery Brewing (US) – also uses Bravo, Sterling, Hersbrucker, Columbus, and Styrian Golding
Sampling these beers will help you gain a deeper understanding of how Bullion hops work in different beer styles and inspire you to use them in your own homebrewing projects.
Final Thoughts on Bullion Hops
Bullion hops offer a unique flavor and aroma profile that can add depth and complexity to your homebrewed beers. While their popularity has waned over the years, their recent resurgence and award-winning status make them a hop variety worth exploring. Whether you choose to use them for bittering, aroma, or both, Bullion hops can bring a distinctive touch to your brewing endeavors. Happy brewing!