Imagine a hop variety that has been released just for homebrewers. What I have learned about hops is that we are way low on the totem pole when it comes to the priorities of farmers and cultivators around the world. There are bigger players with more financial support than our tribe could put forth (at this point in time). That’s why it pleases me to write up this post dedicate to this special variety. Here is my HBC 438 hops profile!
HBC 438 Background Information
We have profiled hops in the past that were known for their non-brand name which include:
Azacca hops (Experimental hop # 483 from the American Dwarf Hop Association)
Equinox hops (HBC 366)
Mosaic hops (HBC 369)
Citra hops (HBC 394)
Of course, HBC 438 does not have a brand or trade name yet. It is still very much an experimental variety. Since the variety is only available to homebrewers, we are part of the test.
The variety was announced at the 2015 National Homebrewers Conference and has since become available for purchase in 1 ounce pouches. I was able to buy one through Norther Brewer.
HBC 438 Origin
Cultivated by the Hop Breeding Company, which is a joint venture between John I Haas and Select Botanicals Group in Yakima, Washington, USA.
It is the product of an open pollination with a known parentage of a native American variety (Neomexicanus) and unknown varieties in 2004.
Since then, the plant producing the cones has had a nickname – Ron Mexico. You may see commercial beers that have that name too. They are brewed with HBC 438.
HBC 438 Specifications
Aroma/Flavor: The descriptors are as follows: tropical fruit, stone fruit, herbal and spicy, and a subtle cedar. Some others stated orange and mint.
We brewed with these hops in a SMaSH beer and have one descriptor that we didn’t see anywhere else.
Alpha Acid: 14-18%
Typical Usage: We should fully embrace this hop variety for what it is – experimental. I do not think I should tell you what the typical usage is because it doesn’t exist. I brewed with them as in a very hop forward beer. You should try them out in any style where you want hop aroma and flavor to shine.
One thing to note – all proceeds benefit ALS.net through the Ales for ALS program. So every sale helps that organization fund research to find a cure for ALS. Although we have not been personally affected by this disease, we believe it is a worthy cause. Plus, buying an ounce of hops is probably more pleasurable than spilling a bucket of ice over your head.
If you needed further incentive to buy this hop, know that you will be helping out the Ales for ALS program too.
Hope you found this HBC 438 hops profile interesting. Check them out – Brew ON!
Derek Springer
‘Orange Soda’ is the best descriptor I came up with from the batch I made w/ HBC-438. It’s a tasty hop!
John
Nice – there is a citrus-y sweetness to the hop flavor.
Mjg
By far the strangest hop I’ve used. Robust is an understatement. After usungbit in 3 different brews (all 8-10% abv, all different styles) out best description is “Spicy squishy overripe fruit.”
Wish I could say more, but the profile is honestly so complex I don’t know what I’m tasting from one sip to the next. A true chameleon.
John
It’s hard evaluating these hops. I appreciate the comment and the feedback!