Beer Explorer

For the craft beer lover who wants to go deeper in understanding the various types of hops used in the beer he loves, or for the one who wants to know which hops to get in order to brew that beer at home, we have created these profiles of the main hops used to brew craft beer. We hope it will help as you make delicious beer at home. If you are a parent especially, you know that it may be easier to enjoy your favorite beer at home than to venture out on the town. So, towards this end, what are Mosaic hops, what’s their history, and how are they unique?

Mosaic hops are like the new kids on the block in the hop world, making a splash when they debuted in 2012. Created by the Hop Breeding Company, a cool collaboration between John I. Haas, Inc. and Select Botanicals Group, Mosaic hops are a bit of a mixtape with a parentage that includes Simcoe and a Nugget-derived male. The name “Mosaic” isn’t just for show; it perfectly captures the vibrant array of aromas and flavors this hop brings to the party.

Here’s what makes Mosaic hops so special in the craft beer scene:

1. Flavor & Aroma Galore: Imagine a hop that can do it all—Mosaic hops pack a punch with flavors and aromas ranging from tropical fruit, citrus, and berries, to herbal, earthy, and piney notes. This means brewers can create complex, multi-layered beers that dance across your palate, all with just one type of hop!
2. The Swiss Army Knife of Hops: Whether you’re brewing a bold IPA, a crisp lager, or even a rich stout, Mosaic hops are your go-to. Their wide range of flavors makes them super versatile, so they can jazz up nearly any beer style.
3. Double Duty: Mosaic hops are the multitaskers of the hop world. They can add a bitter kick when added early in the brewing process or layer in those intricate flavors and aromas if used later on or during dry hopping. This makes them incredibly valuable to brewers who love to fine-tune their recipes.
4. Packing a Punch: With a high alpha acid content (think 11% to 13%), Mosaic hops are great at giving beers that desired bitterness, all while delivering their signature flavor and aroma. This one-two punch makes them a cost-effective choice for brewers looking to get the most bang for their hop buck.
5. Craft Brewer’s Darling: It’s no wonder Mosaic hops have become a staple in the craft beer world. They’re especially beloved in American-style IPAs, where their complex flavor profile can truly shine and make a beer stand out from the crowd.

Since hitting the scene, Mosaic hops have become a game-changer for craft brewers and beer lovers alike, encouraging creativity and experimentation in brewing. It’s a shining example of how innovation in hop breeding can lead to exciting new tastes and experiences for us all to enjoy. Cheers to Mosaic hops for spicing up the beer world!