New Hop Variety! - May 2016 Release: LORAL™ HBC 291

"The Hop Breeding Company, a joint venture between John I. Haas and Select Botanicals Group, continues to quench brewers’ insatiable thirst for vibrant hops and bold brews with the release of another exciting new hop variety. After 14 years in the making, LORAL™ Brand HBC 291 cv. has been chosen for its versatility and unique blend of noble and American hop characteristics. Along with its citrus and floral aromas, it is the perfect addition to HBC’s current hop portfolio.

'HBC 291 was selected based upon its noble (floral, citrus, earth, spicy) characteristics combined with its unique dark fruit character—essentially a noble hop with a uniquely American twist. The selection of the variety was supported by pilot brews by several brewers where it was confirmed that the character in the hop aroma is carried through into the brewed beer,' says Jason Perrault, CEO of Select Botanicals Group, LLC.

Straddling the fence between old and new world hop aromatics, LORAL™ has the ability to complement all beer styles, making it a very handy hop to have in the brewery. During its pilot phase, it was brewed by commercial brewers such as Lagunitas, Stone Brewing and Sierra Nevada Brewery.

"HBC 291 is the perfect hop when you want an American take on noble hop character: floral, spicy, mint, herbal & slight eucalyptus all in one," says Jeremy Marshall of Lagunitas.

Source: YCHHOPS