Saaz

aroma · Czech Republic

The classic Bohemian noble hop from the Žatec (Saaz) region. Spicy, earthy, and herbal with exceptional smoothness; the benchmark for clean European-style bitterness and aroma.

earthyspicyherbalfloralhay

12 brews

About

The classic Czech noble hop, grown around Žatec (German: Saaz) in Bohemia and fundamental to Czech Pilsner and many European lagers. It is spicy, earthy and herbal with exceptional smoothness, and its beta-acid content is notably high relative to alpha. It is GI-protected (true Saaz comes from Žatec), and like other noble hops it fades relatively quickly, so store it cold and verify alpha on each crop for IBU accuracy.

Specs

Alpha acids: 2.5–4.5%
Beta acids: 4.0–6.0%
Co-humulone: 23–26%
Total oil: 0.4–0.8 ml/100g

Oil composition

Myrcene

32.28%

Humulene

28.18%

Caryophyllene

10.78%

Farnesene

10.84%

Linalool

0.71%

Geraniol

0.22%

β-Pinene

0.49%

Other

16.49%

Use rates

Bittering: Very inefficient at low alpha; smooth when used in quantity
Flavour: 1–3 g/L at 15–20 min
Whirlpool: 1–3 g/L
Dry hop: 1–2 g/L for a restrained herbal note; 3–8 g/L total in traditional styles

Pairings

Grains: Pilsner malt, wheat malt; classic with Bohemian Pilsner bills
Yeasts: Saflager W34/70, WildBrew Philly Sour, Lalbrew Belle Saison
Other hops: Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Styrian Goldings
Styles: Czech Pilsner, Bohemian Lager, Farmhouse Ale, Belgian Single, Saison