Saphir Hops

**AnOldUR** · 12-16-2007, 03:01 PM

Went to my LHBS yesterday to buy supplies for today’s brew. The hop shortage finally caught up to me. My recipe for a Weizenbock calls for Tettnang hops. They were out and recommended trying Saphir. I haven’t been able to find too much information on these hops and was hoping for some help. How will they compare to the Tettnang? I have some Saaz, Fuggles, Perle and Hallertauer on hand. Would another substitute be better or is it worth experimenting with the Saphir? I was thinking of bittering with Perle and using the Saphir for flavor / amora. I did read that the Saphir adds a citrus flavor and I’m not sure how good that would be in a wheat.

**david_42** · 12-16-2007, 04:00 PM

Saphir is similar to Hallertauer. It's a Hallertau hybrid. Saaz is probably the best choice out of what you have. Saphir does have a bit of citrus, but nothing like the big 3 C's. Might be safer to use Fuggles for bittering, as Perle can be fruity.

Since many people like a slice of lemon with their wheats, may not be a bad mix.

**AnOldUR** · 12-16-2007, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Since many people like a slice of lemon with their wheats, may not be a bad mix.

Which? The Perle and Saphir or the Fruggle and Saphir? Or something else?

**david_42** · 12-16-2007, 08:20 PM

Perle and Saphir would give you more citrus. I'd probably go with Fruggle and Saphir.

**AnOldUR** · 12-16-2007, 10:19 PM

Well, just finished cleaning up. Didn't check back for reply till now. I went with the Perle. Hope I don't have five gallons of something that is not drinkable.

Did a 60 minute partial boil (2 1/2 gallons):
3/4 oz Perle @ start
1/2 oz Saphir @ 30 minutes
1/2 oz Saphire @ 5 minutes to go

The style (Weizenbock) calls for 15-30 IBU and this puts it at 25. The flavor, aroma should be an interesting experiment with the Saphire

The79Bomb · 11-18-2009, 07:24 PM

It would be hard for me to imagine that a hop substitution would render a beer undrinkable. I think it probably turned out fine.
Cheers, Tim

ScottyC · 03-03-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnOldUR

Well, just finished cleaning up. Didn't check back for reply till now. I went with the Perle. Hope I don't have five gallons of something that is not drinkable.

Did a 60 minute partial boil (2 1/2 gallons):
3/4 oz Perle @ start
1/2 oz Saphir @ 30 minutes
1/2 oz Saphire @ 5 minutes to go

The style (Weizenbock) calls for 15-30 IBU and this puts it at 25. The flavor, aroma should be an interesting experiment with the Saphire

Just curious, how did this turn out?

**AnOldUR** · 03-03-2011, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottyC

Just curious, how did this turn out?

Took a look back at my log (from over three years ago),
but I didn't put in any tasting notes.
I remember it being a decent beer, but I haven't used Saphir hops since,
so it couldn't have been that good.

**fastricky** · 03-04-2011, 12:57 PM

I've used Saphir in a number of beers and damned if I can say what it's like! Pretty benign... The Hallertauer comparison is probably about right...

jayfaustini · 03-04-2011, 07:05 PM

Saphire has been my go to finishing hop for the past year or so. Love them. Citrus is very subdued.