Hersbrucker

Classic German Aroma • Soft Floral and Herbal • Built for Lagers

Hersbrucker is one of Germany's traditional aroma hops, grown in the Hersbruck region of Bavaria and prized for a gentle floral and herbal character that flatters malt rather than competing with it. Where American hops push forward, Hersbrucker sits back, which is exactly what a well made lager or wheat beer asks for.

At roughly 3.5% alpha acid it contributes little bitterness for its weight, and that is the point. Brewers use it in generous late additions where the aroma matters and the bitterness contribution stays soft, giving the delicate hop presence that defines German brewing tradition.

Flavor & Aroma Profile

• Soft floral and blossom notes
• Fresh herbal, hay-like character
• Mild spice without pepperiness
• Faint citrus and fruit in the background
• Clean, restrained bitterness

Small late additions give a quiet lift to the aroma. Larger ones build the full noble hop character without ever turning aggressive, which is why Hersbrucker is often used at rates that would overwhelm a beer with a higher alpha variety.

Brewing Applications

Hersbrucker is a staple ingredient in many traditional German styles, including:

• German Pilsner
• Munich Helles
• Hefeweizen
• Märzen and Oktoberfest
• Kölsch
• Altbier
• Bohemian Pilsner

It also finds a home in Belgian ales and saisons, where its herbal side supports the yeast character instead of fighting it.

Usage Recommendations

For a 5 gallon batch, use 1 to 2 oz late in the boil, typically split between 15 minutes and flameout, and consider a whirlpool addition to keep the aroma intact. Because the alpha acid is low, Hersbrucker is usually paired with a cleaner bittering hop such as Magnum or Perle for the 60 minute charge.

Keep the whirlpool cool, around 170 °F, to preserve the delicate floral notes that boiling drives off.

Specifications

• Alpha Acid: 3.5%
• Flavor Notes: Floral, herbal, noble, mild spice
• Typical Use: Aroma
• Common Additions: 15 min, flameout, whirlpool
• Substitutes: Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnang, Saaz, Liberty
• Beer Styles: German pilsner, helles, hefeweizen, märzen, kölsch

Whether you're brewing a crisp German pilsner, a soft helles, or a wheat beer that needs its hops to stay out of the way, Hersbrucker provides the gentle floral aroma that defines classic continental lager brewing.