In this latest SMaSH beer experiment, we dive into the world of Superdelic hops, a relatively new hop variety from New Zealand. When you hear a name like “Superdelic,” it naturally piques your curiosity, right? We brewed a SMaSH beer—Single Malt and Single Hop—to showcase what these hops can bring to the table. Check out this video to get our take on this variety.

The SMaSH Process

This beer followed our typical recipe and process. We used 2-row pale malt and a single, 1 ounce package of Superdelic hops, spreading the additions across the boil, whirlpool, and dry hop stages for a 1 US gallon batch. After a 10-day fermentation with US-05 yeast and a few days of packaging, we were ready to open up the tap and taste what Superdelic hops had to offer.

Aroma and Flavor

Right from the start, the aroma hits you with a vibrant blend of lime zest and Juicy Fruit gum. There’s also a touch of grassiness, which complements the fruity notes. The flavor closely follows the aroma, delivering a burst of lime and that same juicy fruit character. The hop’s green, herbal notes come through but in a balanced way that’s not overwhelming. It finishes cleanly on the palate, with just enough bitterness to make you want another sip without lingering too long. This hop has a lot of citrusy punch, leaning heavily towards lime, which we found both unique and refreshing. As the beer warms, you may pick up subtle notes of white pith, adding more complexity to the citrus profile.

Our Verdict on Superdelic Hops

Superdelic hops impressed us with their versatility and bold fruit-forward character. It shows promise for juicy IPAs and other hop-forward styles. With flavors of red fruit, citrus, and tropical fruit, Superdelic is a perfect candidate to complement classic hops like Galaxy, Nelson Sauvin, and Motueka. If you’re looking to create a juicy, fruity IPA, we’d highly recommend adding Superdelic hops to your brewing lineup. It brings something fresh to the table and could help fill the gaps left by some older varieties.

BREW ON!