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10 best single hop beers

Since craft went mainstream, the flavour profiles of ale are almost as rich, complex and varied as those of fine wine. Here's our round-up of 10 of the best single hop beers from UK breweries

Friday 21 October 2016 12:15 BST

From the tropical, citrus flavours of the New World, to the peppery notes of Central European hops and Britain’s own floral and grassy hedgerow varieties, the hopping options available to brewers has never been greater. These conical, green flowers of the Humulus lupulus species provide not only a vast array of flavours for beers but also create distinctive aromas, varying levels of bitterness, and lend a hand with preservation duties.

Until recently you would struggle to find anyone who could name the hops used in their favourite beer, but these days the varieties take centre stage, emblazoned across beer labels, allowing discerning drinkers to use them as a guide to what they should order next.

Often brewed as occasional “specials”, single hop beers help spread the knowledge of each individual variety and demonstrate a brewer’s skill, as they try to wring as much complexity of flavour as possible from each hop addition. This UK-only top 10 is the work of the true hop masters: the dedicated craftsfolk determined to make every bitter bullet hit the right spot.

1. Moor, Return of the Empire, 5.7%: £2.50 for 330ml, Eebria

Jester is the new British hop that’s fighting back against the recent American invasion with a tropical twist enhancing some typically British hedgerow hop flavours. Bristol’s Moor Brewery has set the Jester standard with this brew: fresh hop aromas and soft malts lead out dry, woody bitter flavours, brightened with a squirt of orange juice akin to its American counterparts. A patriotic crowd-pleaser.

2. The Kernel, Bramling Cross Dry Stout, 4.5%: £2.35 for 330ml, Beer Gonzo

Each new release of a single-hopped IPA from The Kernel causes a ripple of excitement among its loyal fans, but we’re delving into darker territory with one of its equally impressive stouts. Bramling Cross is a British workhorse hop, powering numerous beer styles, and here it combines with the roasted malts to create a dry beer with ashen flavours of burnt fruit and nut chocolates.

3. Vibrant Forest, Chinook, 5%: £2.50 for 330ml bottle, Eebria

Chinook hops are a popular variety used for their powerful bittering abilities and spicy aromas, and this crisp, dry ale possesses a rasping bitterness from start to finish. The flavours are mostly herby and piney but there’s also a hint of grapefruit pith begging for attention. A splendid ale, chock-full of Chinook goodness.

4. Coastal, Cornish Cascade, 5%: £2.59 for 500ml, Beers of Europe

Cascade hops were developed in Oregon and named after the mountain range that severs the state, and they bring some brash American flavours to a rustic Cornish beer. It’s a golden ale with a grainy cereal malt, tinged with sweetness and full of bitter orange and grapefruit flavours. Equally well served with a traditional Cornish pasty or a full-on American burger with all the extras.

5. Oakham Ales, Citra, 4.2%: £1.65 for 500ml, Morrison’s

Citra’s tropical tasting properties make it top of the hops for the new wave of craft brewers, with Heathen, from Northern Monk, being a particularly fine example. But for a modern day classic you’ll be hard pressed to beat Oakham’s effort – the first UK beer to feature citra hops, back in 2011. It’s a gluggable pale ale with refreshing grapefruit flavours and a dry, bitter finish – a tropical hit with both the traditionalists and craft ale crowd.

6. Chorlton, Jarrylo Sour, 5.6%: £2.65 per 330ml, Beer Gonzo

Hop spotters can look to the Chortlon Brewing Company to test out new varieties in its excellent range of sour beers. ADHA 529 (so new it doesn’t yet have a name) and Olicana are two recent additions but we’ve plumped for Jarrylo as the one to try. It has a few sweet notes of pear drops and a hint of earthy bitterness, which match up well with the tart, yeasty beer. Grab a can now before everyone else gets in on the act…

7. Weird Beard, Black Perle, 3.8%: £2.89 per 500ml, Beers of Europe

Perle hops are most commonly used in German lagers and Kolschs, but the piratey name ‘Black Perle’ is too good an opportunity to miss, so Weird Beard has plundered them for something darker. It’s also added coffee and milk sugar to the brew, making a sweet and creamy beer with toasty cocoa flavours and a spicy bitter finish – as far removed from a pale lager as you can get.

8. Wylam, Nomi Sorachi, 5.2%: £2.90 for 330ml, Eebria

Sorachi Ace is a Japanese variety originally developed to flavour Sapporo beer. The hops are rapidly being swept up by craft brewers, keen to play with their high bittering qualities and unusual flavours, most commonly described as “lemon and dill”. Wylam’s brew also has a spicy orange pungency and rich, boozy malt. A daringly different beer.

9. Brew By Numbers, 21 | 04 Pale Ale Motueka, 5.2%: £2.75 for 330ml, Beer Gonzo

Brew By Numbers is an expert experimenter, regularly rewriting its recipes to produce a constant supply of great new beers. This pale ale is brewed with a mass of oats, giving it a murky appearance, starchy mouth feel and a thick, peachy juiciness. The fruit flavours come courtesy of Motueka hops – a New Zealand variety that’s full of tropical aromas and zesty bursts of lemon and lime. Mark this experiment down as a success.

10. Marks & Spencer, Boadicea Golden Ale, 4.4%: £2.40 for 500ml, Marks & Spencer

M&S has done more than most retailers to raise the awareness of hop varieties with an ever-expanding range that gives hops star billing. Boadicea, one of Britain’s less heralded hedgerow varieties, has been used to delicately flavour this simple golden ale brewed by Meantime. An understated tobacco bitterness and some light, summery floral flavours provide an easygoing drinking experience, proving that you don’t have to go big on hops to create an effective beer.

The Verdict: Single hop beers

The world of hops is ever evolving with a constant search to find the next big thing. We think Jester is ready for greater exposure – but anyone using it will struggle to better Moor’s excellent Return of the Empire.

Nick Moyle is one half of the Two Thirsty Gardeners. Their book, Brew it Yourself, is out now