Saaz (Czech)

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This article discusses a specific variety of hops. For general information about selecting, using or propogating hops, see the main hop page

General Hop Characteristics
Country of Origin: Czech Republic (Bohemia)
Noble: Yes
Uses: aroma
Beer styles: Bohemian Pilsner; suitable in most other continental European lagers (except some German lagers)
Substitutions: Saaz (American), Polnischer Lublin, Tettnanger, Ultra, Sterling
Chemical Composition
Alpha Acids: 3-6 %
Beta Acids: 3-8 %
Cohumulone: 23-28 %
Myrcene: 20-40 %
Humulene: 15-45 %
Caryophyllene: 10-12 %
Farnesene: 11-20 %
Total Oil: 0.4-1 %
Storage

(%AA/6 Mo/20°C):

45-55 % %
Growing Characteristics
Yield: varies
Harvest: varies

Saaz, now known as Zatec, is the name of a city noted for its hop production. Historically, hops from Saaz (Žatec) were considered among the finest in Europe, and were the backbone of the original Bohemian Pilsner; Žatec (Saaz in German) is in the area in NW part of Bohemia of the modern-day Czech Republic.

In brewing, Saaz usually refers to the hop cultivar traditionally associated with Saaz and Bohemian Pilsner. Although the traditional name for this hop would be Saazer (or Saaz Saazer when grown in the Saaz area), it is generally simply referred to as Saaz or Czech Saaz. More info: http://www.zateckychmel.eu/index.html. Czech Saaz is grown not only in Žatec area but also in Tršice area (Central Moravia) and Ústí n/L area (North Bohemia).

Saazer hops are also grown in other countries. Saaz grown outside of the Czech Republic will have different characteristics and will generally be identified by their nation of origin: for example, Saaz (American).

True Saaz Saazer hops are prized for their mild, pleasant flavor, and are the only choice for brewing an authentic Pilsner.

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