Did you know that Phoenix hops, a unique variety bred in the UK, offer a distinctive flavour profile that enhances the taste of beers? This small but impactful fact sets the stage for exploring the world of Phoenix hops, their characteristics, brewing uses, and where to buy them. Whether you’re a homebrewer or a beer enthusiast, delving into the world of Phoenix hops will take your beer-drinking experience to new heights.
Key Takeaways:
- Phoenix hops are a UK variety that offers unique flavours to beers brewed in the country.
- They were bred to resist disease and serve as a replacement for Wye Challenger.
- Phoenix hops have a slow growth rate but feature neat and pleasing growth habits.
- They offer aromas of spice, earthiness, and floral notes, with hints of molasses and chocolate.
- Phoenix hops can be used in a variety of British ale styles, stouts, porters, and more.
- You can purchase Phoenix hops online or from nurseries in the UK.
Characteristics of Phoenix Hops
Phoenix hops, a UK variety bred at Wye College by Dr. Peter Darby, possess unique characteristics that make them a popular choice among brewers. These hops offer a growth rate that falls between slow to moderate, ensuring steady cultivation. They feature medium-sized and light, fluffy cones that mature early in the season, providing brewers with an early harvest for their brewing needs.
One of the most notable aspects of Phoenix hops is their resistance to common diseases, including wilt and powdery mildew. This high resistance ensures the health and longevity of the crop, alleviating concerns for brewers.
| Hop Compound | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Alpha Acids | 8-12 |
| Beta Acids | 3.8-5.4 |
| Co-humulone | 24-30 |
| Total Oils | 1.2-2.5 |
The composition of Phoenix hops is also worth noting. These hops have an alpha acid composition of 8-12%, which contributes to their bitterness. The beta acid composition ranges from 3.8-5.4%, providing stability during the brewing process. Co-humulone, another important component, falls within the range of 24-30%, resulting in a well-balanced hop character in beers.
When it comes to the essential oils found in Phoenix hops, they exhibit a total oil composition ranging from 1.2-2.5%. The dominant oils include myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene, which contribute to the aromas and flavors that make Phoenix hops distinctive.
Aroma and Sensory Description of Phoenix Hops
Phoenix hops are often described as having a “very English” aroma with mellow tones of spice, pine, wood, and floral notes. They also offer subtle hints of chocolate and molasses. The hops provide a well-balanced bitterness and contribute to a rich flavor profile in beers. Brewers have reported interesting results when using Phoenix hops as a late hop addition, adding complexity to the beer’s character.
Brewing Uses of Phoenix Hops
Phoenix hops, with their versatile brewing characteristics, are a fantastic addition to various beer styles. Their high alpha acid content makes them suitable for imparting a well-balanced and rich bitterness to beers. Additionally, Phoenix hops can serve as a substitute for many high alpha hop varieties in brewing, providing brewers with flexibility and creativity in recipe development.
One of the key strengths of Phoenix hops lies in their compatibility with English ale styles. They harmonize seamlessly with Strong Bitter, Best Bitter, British Brown Ale, Stouts, Porters, and British Golden Ale, adding depth and complexity to these traditional beer styles. Furthermore, Scottish Ales, English IPAs, and other British-style beers are also excellent candidates for incorporating the unique attributes of Phoenix hops.
The following table provides an overview of the brewing styles that pair exceptionally well with Phoenix hops:
| Beer Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Strong Bitter | Full-bodied and hoppy, with a balanced malt character |
| Best Bitter | Smooth and well-rounded, showcasing a traditional English hop profile |
| British Brown Ale | Malty, with a nutty character and a touch of hop bitterness |
| Stouts | Rich and robust, combining chocolate and coffee notes with hop bitterness |
| Porters | Dark and malty, featuring a balance of roasted flavors and hop bitterness |
| British Golden Ale | Light and refreshing, showcasing a delicate hop character |
| Scottish Ales | Malty and smooth, with a restrained hop presence |
| English IPAs | Golden-hued and hop-forward, highlighting the herbal and floral characteristics of English hops |
| Other British-style beers | From Milds to Pale Ales, Phoenix hops can complement a wide range of traditional British beer styles |
By incorporating Phoenix hops into these beer styles, brewers can create exceptional brews that showcase the unique flavours and aromas of this remarkable hop variety.
Commercial Examples of Beers Using Phoenix Hops
Phoenix hops are widely celebrated in the brewing industry for the unique flavors and aromas they bring to different beer styles. Here are some commercial examples of beers that showcase the distinctive qualities of Phoenix hops:
- Phoenix Porter from The Unity Brew House: This rich and smooth porter showcases the earthy and floral notes of Phoenix hops, complemented by hints of spice and chocolate. The hops contribute to a well-balanced bitterness that perfectly compliments the dark malt profile of the beer.
- Phoenix Indian Pale Ale from Enville Brewery: Enville Brewery’s IPA is a hop lover’s dream, featuring a generous amount of Phoenix hops. The beer boasts a bold and complex hop character, with prominent pine, spice, and floral notes. The Phoenix hops add depth and complexity to the beer’s aroma and flavor, creating a truly memorable drinking experience.
- The World’s Colombian Coffee Exposition from Hop Butcher For The World: This unique beer is a collaboration between Hop Butcher For The World and Passion House Coffee Roasters. It combines the flavors of specialty coffee and Phoenix hops to create a one-of-a-kind sensory experience. The Phoenix hops contribute to the beer’s aromatic profile, enhancing the coffee notes and adding delicate floral undertones.
- Thunderball from The Force Brewery: Thunderball is a hop-forward pale ale that showcases the versatility of Phoenix hops. The beer bursts with tropical and citrus flavors, with the Phoenix hops providing a touch of spiciness and earthiness. They add a delightful complexity to the beer’s character, making it a standout choice for hop enthusiasts.
- From The Ashes from Fyne Ales Scotland: This Scottish ale from Fyne Ales Scotland features the rich and distinctive flavors of Phoenix hops. With its notes of spice, pine, and floral undertones, the beer offers a unique and memorable drinking experience. The Phoenix hops contribute to a balanced bitterness and a smooth finish, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
These commercial examples demonstrate the diverse range of beer styles that can benefit from the addition of Phoenix hops. Whether it’s a porter, IPA, specialty coffee beer, pale ale, or Scottish ale, Phoenix hops add their own unique twist to the flavor profile, creating beers that stand out from the crowd.
Where to Buy Phoenix Hops
If you’re in the United States and looking to purchase Phoenix hops, you may find that they are not widely available. However, there are some options to consider. Larger homebrew suppliers or hop suppliers may carry Phoenix hops, so it’s worth checking with them. While most options for purchasing Phoenix hops are in pellet form, there may be whole cone varieties available depending on the time of year.
Here are some recommended stockists where you can buy Phoenix hops:
- Northwest Hop Farms – Based in Canada, Northwest Hop Farms is known for their high-quality hop products and offers Phoenix hops for purchase.
- Amazon – The popular online marketplace, Amazon, also carries Phoenix hops from various sellers. Be sure to check customer reviews and ratings before making a purchase.
- Brook House Hops – Located in the United Kingdom, Brook House Hops is a trusted supplier of hops and offers a selection of Phoenix hops for brewing enthusiasts.
By exploring these options, you can find a reliable source to buy Phoenix hops and start brewing with this unique variety.
Growing Phoenix Hops
Phoenix hops are a versatile hop variety that can be grown in backyard gardens, providing home brewers with a local and sustainable supply of this unique hop. When cultivating Phoenix hops, it is essential to choose varieties that are well-suited to the local area.
In the United Kingdom, it is legal to plant Phoenix hops, and plants and rhizomes can be readily obtained from nurseries and online suppliers. US-based home growers may face more challenges in finding Phoenix hops, but it is possible to source rootstock from UK nurseries that offer international shipping. Additionally, seeds for propagation are available online and can be a viable option for starting a Phoenix hop garden.
Tips for Growing Phoenix Hops
- Find a sunny location: Phoenix hops thrive in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Prepare the soil: Prior to planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure can help improve the soil’s fertility.
- Planting: Dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the roots of the hop plant or rhizome. Plant at a depth of about 2-4 inches. Space the plants about 3-5 feet apart to allow for adequate airflow and room to grow.
- Watering: Hops require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Provide a deep watering 2-3 times per week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Trellis or support system: Phoenix hops are vigorous climbers and will require a trellis or support system to grow vertically. Install a sturdy structure that can handle the weight of the hop bines as they grow.
- Pruning: Prune the hop plants in early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth. Additionally, thinning out excess growth can help improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease.
- Fertilizing: While hops generally do not require high levels of fertilization, incorporating a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote healthy growth.
- Pest and disease control: Monitor your hop plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Common pests include aphids and spider mites, while common diseases include downy mildew and powdery mildew. Utilize organic pest control methods and follow good cultural practices to minimize problems.
By following these tips and providing the necessary care, you can enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own Phoenix hops and using them to create unique and flavorful beers.
Substitutes for Phoenix Hops
In brewing, Phoenix hops can be substituted with other varieties such as Northdown, Challenger, and East Kent Golding. These hops can provide similar flavor and aroma profiles to Phoenix hops, making them suitable replacements in recipes that call for Phoenix hops.
Conclusion
Phoenix hops offer a unique and distinctive flavor and aroma profile that can greatly enhance the taste of UK brewed beers. Their resistance to disease and early maturity make them a valuable option for brewers looking to create exceptional brews. Whether you prefer the convenience of pellet form or the traditional whole cone form, there are options available for purchasing Phoenix hops.
While availability may vary depending on your region, there are suppliers that offer Phoenix hops online, ensuring that brewers can easily acquire this sought-after hop variety. Additionally, home growers have the opportunity to plant Phoenix hops in their gardens, allowing them to have a personal supply of these exceptional hops.
By incorporating Phoenix hops into their brewing process, brewers can elevate their beers to new heights, adding complex flavors and aromas that will captivate the senses. Whether you are a professional brewer or a passionate homebrewer, the unique qualities of Phoenix hops make them a worthwhile addition to your brewing repertoire.
