What are El Dorado Hops?
This variety of hops is grown in the USA from a seedling of an English variety called Brewer's Gold that was imported in the late 19th century and cross-bred with native varieties to develop a new type of hop.
Written by CraftJack | Updated | 2 min read
Why are El Dorado hops so popular?
Their popularity could be attributed to a few factors. One, these hops have an intense flavor and aroma that is akin to citrus fruit with hints of pine and earthy spice. Second, they're perfect for brewing beers like IPAs because their color retains well in the boiling process without adding too much bitterness or astringency (that harshness). It's also worth noting that this variety of hops will not achieve full maturity until 2024!
Acidity
El Dorado hops have an alpha acid range from 8% to 12%. The beta acid range is 4% to 7%.
What types of beers are typically brewed with El Dorado Hops?
El Dorado's brewing popularity is in part due to the fact that it can impart strong tropical fruit aromas and flavors like pineapple, mango, or passionfruit, while other types are primarily citrusy, floral or earthy in flavor. As such, El Dorado hops are traditionally used in amber ales and IPAs primarily because of their assertive flavor. It has also been known to be used in pale ales, wheats, German-style beers, stouts, and more.
Beer Styles
- Amber Ales
- Pale Ales
- Stouts
- Wheat Beers
Commercial Examples
| ABV | Beer | Brewery |
|---|---|---|
| 10% |
Evangelion XVII Tabris Ghost 946 |
Adroit Theory Brewing Company |
| 10.5% |
Key Bump |
Hoof Hearted Brewing |
| 5% |
Yacht Rocker |
Riverwalk Brewing Company |
| 5.5% |
Obligatory |
Merrimack Ales |
| 5.5% |
New England IPA |
The Girls Brewery |
| 5.6% |
To Be Fair |
Night Shift Brewing |
| 6% |
The Way Life Should Be |
Orono Brewing Company |
| 6.4% |
Official |
Bells Brewery |
| 6.5% |
Good Fortune |
Common Roots Brewing Company |
| 6.5% |
Zephyr |
Rising Tide Brewing Company |
| 6.5% |
Push the Sky Away |
Small Change Brewing Company |
| 6.6% |
Blowing Bubbles |
Shire Breu-Hous |
| 6.66% |
Getting Sendy |
Shire Breu-Hous |
| 7.2% |
Tubular |
Orono Brewing Company |
| 7.7% |
Delicious IPA |
Stone Brewing Company |
| 8% |
Things We Dont Say |
Wandering Soul Beer Company |
| 8.3% |
Orbital Elevator |
Burlington Beer Company |
Substitute Hops Similar to El Dorado
This is a tough question because it depends on whether you want an alpha or beta acid variety. If you want a beta acid variety, then Northern Brewer has a good substitute. If you want an alpha acid variety, then Nugget is your best bet.
- Northern Brewer
- Nugget
Should you grow El Dorado Hops?
YES! El Dorado hops are an amazingly delicious variety of hops grown in the United States. They have a delicate aroma with a mild herbal taste. The hop has been described by some as "a citrusy, fruity, pungent, and floral" and "soft" for a "heavy" hop.