New varieties of hops are available for homebrewers every year and we’re here for it! This time, we got our hands on HBC 1019 hops, a new experimental variety from the Hop Breeding Company and Yakima Chief Ranches.

As part of our ongoing SMASH beer series, we brewed a simple one-hop, one-malt beer to really get a sense of what this hop brings to the table. We followed our usual small-batch method. We brew a one gallon batch made from American 2-row malt, a single ounce of hops, and US-05 yeast. So, what does this hop taste like? Let’s break it down.

Loaded with fruit flavors.

Our SMaSH Brewing Process

We followed our standard SMASH beer brewing process for HBC 1019 hops, sticking to a simple recipe to let the hops shine. The hop schedule was as follows:

  • 7g at 60 minutes (bittering)
  • 14g at the whirlpool (185°F for 10 minutes)
  • Dry-hopped with 7g for 24 hours after cold crashing

Fermentation took place at 75°F for one week, and we packaged it up shortly after. The result? A beer that put HBC 1019 front and center, giving us a clear picture of its aroma and flavor profile.

Our Thoughts About HBC 1019 Hops

Right away, the aroma hit us with a fresh and vibrant citrus zest—think lime and orange peel. The flavor followed suit, with a strong citrus presence accompanied by a subtle tropical character. There was also a surprising vanilla-like note. It’s possibly tying into the described Valencia orange and caramelized banana characteristics from the breeder’s description. We didn’t pick up much in the way of berry or stone fruit. The overall impression was a bright, punchy hop with a fresh, almost pithy citrus quality.

Given its bold aroma and flavor, we think HBC 1019 would be great in IPAs, American pale ales, or even wheat beers for a unique summer brew. It could also add some extra punch to classic hops like Amarillo or Citra, giving them an extra layer of complexity. Overall, this hop was a winner, and we’re excited to see if the variety gets an official name.

BREW ON!