Saaz
The classic Czech noble hop, delicate and spicy, the soul of a Bohemian pilsner.
About Saaz
Saaz is one of the four traditional noble hops and the signature hop of Czech brewing, named after the town of Žatec (Saaz) in Bohemia. It is an ancient landrace variety.
Its low alpha and gentle, spicy, earthy aroma define the Bohemian pilsner and appear in many Belgian ales too.
Aroma and flavour
Delicate, spicy, earthy and lightly floral; the defining aroma of Czech pilsner.
By the numbers, Saaz typically carries 2.5 to 4.5% alpha acid, which drives its bitterness, and 0.4 to 1 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
Saaz is used through the boil in a pilsner for its soft bitterness and, above all, late for its delicate spicy aroma. Its low alpha means it is used generously to build flavour.
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 Saaz is unavailable, Hallertau 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 | 2.5 to 4.5% |
| Beta acid | 4 to 6% |
| Total oil | 0.4 to 1 |
| Typical use | Noble (aroma) |
| Origin | Czech Republic, an ancient 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 Saaz hops on eBayaffiliateRelated
Sources: BarthHaas hop varieties · Hopslist variety data