Aurora hops are also known as Super Stryrian hops and also known as Stryrian Aurora hops. They appear to be one variety of four that were Slovenian bred higher alpha acid varieties. In the early 1970s, Dr. Tone Wagner crossed Northern Brewer hops with a wild male variety that grew near the Hop Research Institute in Zalec, Yugoslavia. Although it carries the moniker of Super Stryrian, it does not share heritage of the other well-known Slovenian hop Stryrian Goldings.
There are some conflicting reports on their aroma. Some sources stated that they were similar to Styrian while others claimed it was a common misperception and the name association is based on the hops’ origin rather than its flavor or aroma properties.
This writer is also confused by the name Aurora. I don’t have the story of why they decided to choose that name to identify this variety since it doesn’t seem to have an attachment to its Slavic roots but rather a city in Illinois.
It’s all marketing to me. Here are the stats for Aurora hops:
Origin: Slovenia (formerly Yugoslavia)
Aroma/Flavor: Like Northern Brewer, which I would define as woody. Most sources said pleasant and hoppy. There weren’t many good descriptions but I would think there would be a nice earthy spice to these hops.
Alpha Acid: 7 – 9%
Typical Usage: Dual Purpose. You could use this variety throughout the boil and it would probably play well with other hops.
Beer Styles: American, Belgian and dark English ales.
I could see you using these hops in recipes that call for Northern Brewer – maybe a California Common beer – to put a different spin on that style. I think Aurora hops would be good to use in beers that use Saaz for aroma to give them a little punch of hoppiness.
Mayflower Brewing Company brewed a limited batch using just Styrian Aurora hops. I would describe the taste as a little floral with some earthy tones in there as well.
brewella deville
Since you mentioned Northern Brewer, what else have you used that hop in besides a California Common that turned out well? I have some I’d like to use, but the warmer weather will prevent me from fermenting near the 60F or so required for a steam beer.
John
I brewed a Maibock using them for bittering – I don’t know if it was a great fit plus a lager suggestion isn’t going to help you in the warmer weather as you mentioned. Try using them in a robust porter.
Roger
They call it Aurora because they are scientists. Start from A then B for bobek C for Celia etc… Think they got to E. Know this because I just been to Zalec. Talked to a local brewer he said it was an aroma hop. But didn’t recommend it for dry hopping.
John
Thanks Roger. I guess that they thought Aurora was a cool “A” name. Outside of that thought and they like to name hops following the alphabet, there still doesn’t seem to be a reason for the use of Aurora.
Roger
I have two batches, one aurora smash and a aurora east kent mix fermenting, I hop the hop is good. Now, talking about slovenian D for Dana, anybody have experiences? i was wondering to buy some to try.
Roger
Now I have tested Aurora, the taste is herbal and sweet. So I would recommend to
Counter the sweetness with some roasted or black malt, or make stout 🙂
John
Good stuff, Roger – thanks for the comment!
Uroš
I regularly visit the Žalec region it is just a short ride for me and we have some friends around there… Aurora, Bobek, Celeia, Dana and Golding are still prominent hops. But there are many farmers that are slowly or at least in part switching to newer Cardinal, Dragon, Eureka, Fox, Gold, Kolibri and Wolf varieties due to craft brewing demand that skyrocketed in the last decade. I think that the name comes from the northern lights (aurora borealis). And that was named by the Roman goddess of dawn. I like brewing with aurora since it is cheap around here and it makes refreshing beer.
John
Thank you so much for the comment. I hope that some of those newer varieties become available over here in the States.