Challenger Hops – A Versatile English Hop for Classic Brews
Harvest:- 2024
A/A:- 7.95% Approx.
Characteristics:- Spicy, Cedar, Green Tea
Product of:- UK or Belgium
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the stated harvest year and alpha acid content; however, variations may occur in the product received.
At The Home Brew Shop, we’re proud to offer Challenger Hops, a versatile English hop variety known for its earthy, floral, and slightly spicy aroma. A favourite among brewers for traditional ales, bitters, and even modern beer styles, Challenger Hops deliver a balanced and refined flavour profile. Whether you're crafting a classic English bitter or experimenting with new recipes, Challenger Hops are a reliable choice for your brewing needs.
Why Choose Challenger Hops?
Challenger Hops are celebrated for their versatility and ability to impart a well-rounded flavour to your beer. With a moderate alpha acid content, they are perfect for both bittering and aroma additions. Their earthy and floral characteristics make them a staple in traditional English brewing, while their subtle spice notes add complexity to modern beer styles.
Key Features of Challenger Hops
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Aroma Profile: Earthy, floral, and slightly spicy with hints of tea and herbs.
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Alpha Acid Content: Typically 6-9%, making it versatile for both bittering and aroma.
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Versatility: Perfect for traditional ales, bitters, stouts, and experimental beer styles.
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Origin: A classic English hop variety with a rich brewing heritage.
Popular Beer Styles Using Challenger Hops
Challenger Hops are a versatile choice for a wide range of beer styles. Here are some popular options:
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English Bitter: Enhances the earthy and floral notes.
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Pale Ale: Adds a balanced hop character with subtle spice.
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Porter and Stout: Provides depth and complexity.
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Experimental Brews: Perfect for adding a traditional twist to modern recipes.
Brewing Tips for Challenger Hops
To get the most out of your Challenger Hops, follow these tips:
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Use as a bittering hop early in the boil or as a late addition for aroma.
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Pair with other English hop varieties like Fuggles or East Kent Goldings for a traditional flavour profile.
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Store in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness and aroma.
Shop for Challenger Hops at The Home Brew Shop
At The Home Brew Shop, we’re passionate about providing brewers with the finest ingredients. Our Challenger Hops are sourced from trusted growers, ensuring premium quality and authentic flavour. Whether you're brewing a classic English bitter or experimenting with new recipes, Challenger Hops are a must-have for your next batch.
Explore our selection of Challenger Hops today and bring the timeless taste of English brewing to your beer. Order now and elevate your brewing game with The Home Brew Shop! Originally developed as a Goldings replacement, Challenger is a very versatile variety. Many brewers have found that excellent beers can be brewed from Challenger alone. It has fine bittering properties and a respectable aroma. More commonly, though, it is combined with a dedicated aroma variety. Challenger is gradually commanding less and less acreage these days as it gives way to more disease resistant varieties, such as the dwarf, Pioneer.
Introduced by Wye College in 1972 this variety was bred from two trial varieties. It is very well related with its grandmother being Northern Brewer and its aunt being North down.
An excellent all round hop with good alpha and aroma properties. As the main copper hop it provides a refreshing, full bodied, rounded bitterness which provides an excellent platform for a late hop. As the late addition it can give a very crisp, fruity character perfect for bitters and pale ales.
Challenger is a high yielding dual-purpose variety grown primarily in Herefordshire and Worcestershire although quantities are grown in Kent and Belgium. It has good resistance to Downy Mildew but is susceptible to Powdery Mildew and Verticillium Wilt.
