Hops: Citra

If you've ever tasted a beer with Citra hops, you'll know that it delivers an explosion of bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors. But what is the history behind this marvelous hop, how was it developed, and what beers work well with it? Let's grab our favorite brews and geek out together over everything Citra.

The History of Citra Hops

Citra hops were developed in the early 2000s by the Hop Breeding Company in Yakima Valley, Washington. The goal was to create a hop that delivered powerful aromas and flavors but without the harsh bitterness that some hops can have. Citra was bred from a blend of different hops, including Hallertau Mittelfruh, U.S. Tettnang, East Kent Golding, and Bavarian hops.

Early Adopters of Citra Hops

As with any new hop, there were early adopters and Citra was no exception. One of the first breweries to experiment with Citra hops was Three Floyds Brewing Company in Indiana. They used Citra in their Dreadnaught Imperial IPA, which quickly became a cult favorite. Soon, other breweries in the U.S. and around the world began incorporating Citra hops into their brews.

Beers Made with Citra Hops

Citra hops are versatile and can be used for both bittering and aroma in beer. However, they are especially known for their aromatic capabilities. Citra hops provide bright and bold aromas and flavors of grapefruit, lime, passionfruit, and mango. Citra is usually added as a late addition hop during the brewing process or used for dry-hopping to preserve the delicate flavors and aromatics.

One of the most popular beers made with Citra hops is the IPA. The Citra heavy-hopped IPA is popularly known for its bright and juicy taste, which has a crisp and refreshing finish that is perfect for a hot summer day. But Citra hops are not limited to IPAs and can be used in various beer styles. In fact, some brewers have even experimented with using Citra hops in stouts and sour beers with surprisingly successful results!

Beer Styles Suited to Citra Hops

So, what beer styles work well with Citra hops? Citra is a popular choice for IPAs and Pale Ales. The Citra hops provide a fruity, citrusy punch of flavor and aroma that pairs perfectly with the hop bitterness that these styles require. A popular beer style that Citra made famous is the New England IPA, characterized by its juicy flavors and hazy appearance.

Citra is also used in many Wheat beers, such as American Wheat and Belgian Witbier. The fruity and citrus notes of Citra complement the wheaty and spicy character of these styles, resulting in a refreshing and balanced brew.

In addition, Citra hops also work well in lower ABV beers like Pilsners and Lagers. When used judiciously, Citra can provide a delightful citrus twist to the clean and crisp finish of these styles.

The Stats

Type: New World American

Acids: AA 11-13%; BA 3.5-4.5%; Cohumulone: 22-24%

Oil (mL/100g): 2.1-2.8

Stage: Primarily aroma and flavour, but can be used for bittering.

Aroma/Palette: Citrus, tropical, stone fruit.