This SMaSH beer experiment focused on showcasing Southern Cross hops in a simple setup. With a single malt and hop, the goal was to isolate the variety’s aroma and flavor characteristics clearly. I (John) built the recipe to emphasize late hop additions, which would highlight aroma and flavor over bitterness. This approach helps us understand what this New Zealand hop brings to the table without interference.

Tasting The Southern Cross SMaSH Beer

In the glass, this beer leaned heavily into bright, citrus-forward flavors with a noticeable acidity. The first impressions brought a mix of lemon-like citrus and subtle tropical fruit notes. We both picked up hints of kiwi, especially that slightly raw edge you get near the rind. There were also touches of lychee, passion fruit, and even under-ripe guava, giving the beer a layered but not overly sweet profile.

The bitterness came across as soft and restrained, which made sense given the late hop additions. According to hop references, Southern Cross is known for lemon zest and pine characteristics. We did not get much pine, though some of that raw, slightly sharp note could be interpreted that way. If used earlier in the boil, it likely would contribute more bitterness and resinous qualities.

This hop seems versatile depending on how it is used. For a more traditional IPA, it could work well as a bittering hop paired with stronger varieties like Columbus or Chinook. It could also complement hops like Simcoe in later additions to build complexity. In this beer, the late additions kept things bright, citrusy, and slightly tropical without becoming overpowering.

Conclusion

Southern Cross hops delivered a unique combination of bright citrus and subtle tropical flavors in this SMaSH beer. The soft bitterness and lemon-forward profile stood out the most. While it did not show much pine in this version, different brewing techniques could bring that out. This experiment reinforced how much hop timing impacts flavor. It also showed that Southern Cross can play well both as a feature hop or as part of a blend. Availability may be limited, so it is worth grabbing when you can!

BREW ON!