Hop Pellets – Bramling Cross – 2018

The Bramling Cross hop is a dual-purpose variety, known for its distinctive character and unique “American” aroma. Initially, this aroma deterred many brewers from using it; however, the hop has made a remarkable comeback in recent years. Its strong spicy and blackcurrant flavours, combined with good alpha characteristics, have made Bramling Cross a popular choice for traditional cask-conditioned beers and various other beer styles.

Brewing with Bramling Cross

In brewing, the Bramling Cross hop can be used for both bittering and aroma purposes. This versatile hop adds depth to the beer’s flavour profile, making it suitable for a wide range of beer styles. If you are looking for substitutions, Progress and Brewer’s Gold hops are viable alternatives that can deliver similar characteristics.

Origins and History

The Bramling Cross hop has a rich history, dating back to 1927 when it was bred from a cross between the traditional Golding variety Bramling and a male seedling of the Manitoban (Canadian) wild hop. Developed at Wye College by Professor Salmon, this hop variety is also known as OT48.

Agronomic Traits

Cultivated primarily in Kent and Sussex, Bramling Cross is a low-yielding variety with early maturation. It is generally easier to grow compared to other hop varieties. Although susceptible to Downy and Powdery Mildew, Bramling Cross demonstrates a high degree of tolerance to Verticillium Wilt, making it a reliable choice for hop growers.