Saaz Hops - Currently Unavailable

[64stangman]

I've been searching for CZ Saaz hops for quite sometime and noticed that most suppliers are "out of stock" (as of this post).

Anyone know what's the deal? Is this typical of Saaz this time of year?

Do you know a place which has a fresh stock? or suggestions for an alternative hop?
According to Scot Janish's site: Hallertau, Willamette, and TETTNANG are the closest in oil composition.
I made a fine Pilsner with Willamette, but I sure miss the Saaz.

Suggestions/Comments?

 

[deadwolfbones]

People say Pekko works well in place of Saaz

 

[bpgreen]

I googled cz saaz hops and checked the shopping tab. There were quite a few results.

 

[beernutz]

It looks like the 2017 Saaz crop size was down between 15 to 20% from 2016 but was about 50% higher than 2015. http://www.bohemiahop.cz/206-2017-crop-reached-6-797-t-of-hops-in-the-czech-republic

Hopsdirect has Saaz in stock.

 

[Lefou]

People say Pekko works well in place of Saaz

Pekko is a high alpha hop.
Much of the YCH sealed Saaz hops I've gotten are in the range of 2.2AAU.

I'd be using quite a bit less Pekko in this instance.

 

[deadwolfbones]

Pekko is a high alpha hop.
Much of the YCH sealed Saaz hops I've gotten are in the range of 2.2AAU.

I'd be using quite a bit less Pekko in this instance.

Yep! Or using it a lot later.

 

[Steveruch]

Sterlings.

 

[z-bob]

Sterling, but it's a lot higher alpha.

 

[VV_Wildcatfan]

I’ve been planning on using Motueka for my next pils.

 

[SoCal-Doug]

Sterling

 

[radwizard]

Strisslespalt

 

[Braufessor]

I have been disappointed in a lot of the Saaz I have gotten over the past couple years. I have pretty much went to using Hallertau/Tettnang combo. I also use a bit of sterling for bittering some times.

 

[catdaddy66]

I was told by my lhbs owner that very popular hops are going to be hard to come by as the 2017 crops are selling fast. I was looking for centennial but he named 10-12 types that he wouldn't be able to restock.

Bummer, but it lets me try new stuff.

 

[madscientist451]

Homebrew Talk Sponsor NorCal Brewing Solutions has Saaz hops by the pound or by the ounce:

https://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Hops_Saaz_CZ_Pellet_1_Pound_Pack.html

 

[homebrewer_99]

Hops Direct...Sterling hops, 2016 crop for $5/lb: https://hopsdirect.com/collections/pellet-hops/products/sterling-pellets

 

[BucksIPA]

Sladek, you can use less

 

[beerlover77]

I would say Tettnang... it is not a perfect match but it has a spicyness like Saaz IMO where Sterling and Hallertau seems to be lacking this (although great hops in a german style).