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Hallertau Mittelfrüh
A classic German noble hop, soft, floral and mildly spicy, the aroma of Bavarian lager.
About Hallertau Mittelfrüh
Hallertau Mittelfrüh is the traditional noble hop of the Hallertau, Germany's largest hop-growing region, and one of the four classic noble varieties.
Its gentle floral and spicy aroma defines German lagers and wheat beers. It is susceptible to disease, so newer noble-type varieties were bred partly to replace it.
Aroma and flavour
Soft, floral, herbal and mildly spicy; the classic German lager aroma.
By the numbers, Hallertau Mittelfrüh typically carries 3 to 5.5% alpha acid, which drives its bitterness, and 0.7 to 1.3 total oil, which drives its aroma. It is generally treated as a noble (aroma) hop. Published figures are typical values; the real alpha and oil of any given lot vary with the harvest, so a hop bill is usually adjusted to the actual numbers on the package.
Using it in the brewery
Hallertau Mittelfrüh is used for a soft bitterness and, mainly, a late aroma addition in lagers and wheat beers. Its low alpha means generous amounts to build its gentle character.
Like all hops, it is best bought as vacuum-packed pellets and kept cold and sealed, since oxygen and warmth degrade the alpha acids and drive off the aroma oils over time. Buy close to when you will brew, and store any opened packets cold and airtight.
Substitutes
If Hallertau Mittelfrüh is unavailable, Saaz makes the closest substitute, sharing a similar aroma family and a comparable alpha and oil profile. A substitute is a close match rather than an identical clone, so expect it to shift the character a little.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3 to 5.5% |
| Beta acid | 3 to 5.5% |
| Total oil | 0.7 to 1.3 |
| Typical use | Noble (aroma) |
| Origin | Germany (Hallertau region), a landrace |
Typical published figures; harvest and batch vary.
Match this hop to a yeast
Open the YeastMatch selectorPair a hop with the right yeast, or find a substitute.Find Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops on eBayaffiliateRelated
Sources: BarthHaas hop varieties · Hopslist variety data