Aurora Hops
Aurora hops are also known as Super Stryrian hops and 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.






