Back in September 2024, we brewed a SMaSH beer featuring Elani hops, and our evaluation of the variety was not flattering. The descriptors on the package didn’t match what ended up in our glass, and we shared our honest take.

Well, that caught the attention of Yakima Quality Hops who graciously offered to send us a fresh batch of Elani.

With multiple products in hand, we decided to give the hop variety a second shot. I crafted a full-on American Pale Ale to revisit Elani. Using a more layered malt base, we’ll see if we can tease out more of its potential.

Elani hops revisited and re-brewed.

Elani Hops APA Recipe

This time around, I brewed what we’re calling the Elani APA, using Cryo hops. The recipe is a little more complex from our typical SMaSH experiments.

Ingredients

Water:
Spring water
2 grams of gypsum per gallon

Grain Bill:
85% Pilsner malt
15% Flaked barley

Hops:
All Elani Cryo hops (13.6% AA)
Bittering: Add enough for 60 minute boil to reach 30 IBUs
Whirlpool: 5x the bittering charge at 170°F (77°C)
Dry hop: 2x the bittering charge for 1 day at 40°F (4°C)

Yeast:
Wyeast 1318 London Ale III

Procedures

Mash: 1 hour at 150°F
Boil: 1 hour
Primary Fermentation: 10 days at 72°F (22°C)
Cold crash: 1 day
Dry hop: 1 day

Outcomes

Original Gravity: 1.050
Final Gravity: 1.012
ABV: ~5%

Was It Worth the Rebrew?

Absolutely. This time around, the beer came out clean, bright, and surprisingly citrusy. The dominant aroma and flavor notes were lime zest with a bit of lemon. It had some soft earthiness, and a fleeting note of cucumber or even coconut flesh.

It wasn’t the tropical bomb that Elani is sometimes described. Mike and I didn’t really pick up much of the guava or pineapple that’s mentioned in the official descriptors, but the lime character was solidly present.

Compared to our first try with standard T90 pellets, this batch was worlds better. Cryo hops clearly reduced some of the vegetal harshness we got the first time. I could see Elani working nicely in a supporting role alongside hops that bring more of the tropical fruit action, or even in a blend for a New England IPA. On its own, it’s drinkable and unique—zesty without being overwhelming, and interesting enough to keep sipping.

BREW ON!