Citra®

American aroma hop Citra was created by John I. Haas, Inc. and Select Botanicals Group joint venture, the Hop Breeding Company. It was released to the brewing world in 2008. Now one of the most coveted high-impact aroma hops in the US, particularly among craft brewers, it boasts a complex lineage that includes the likes of Hallertau Mittelfrüh (father), Tettnanger (US), Brewer’s Gold and East Kent Golding.

Gene Probasco is credited with having first bred Citra in 1990. After trialing the new variety with iconic craft breweries Deschutes, Sierra Nevada and others, commercial acreage was significantly expanded in the lead up to its official release.

Citra, as the name implies, has a strong citrusy profile. This is largely credited to its very high myrcene content. It has an extraordinary flavor profile of grapefruit, lime and tropical fruits but despite its high alphas, brewers often warn against its use for bittering, which is considered by some to be harsh and undesirable.

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Also Known As	Citra® Brand HBC 394 cv
Characteristics	Citrus, grapefruit, lime, tropical fruits, harsh bitterness
Purpose	Bittering & Aroma
Alpha Acid Composition	10%-15%
Beta Acid Composition	3%-4.5%
Co-Humulone Composition	20%-35%
Country	US
Cone Size	Medium
Cone Density	Tight
Seasonal Maturity	Mid
Yield Amount	1600-1800 kg/hectare (1400-1600 lbs/acre)
Growth Rate	Medium to high
Resistant to	Downy mildew, powdery mildew and verticillium wilt
Susceptible to	Aphids
Storability	Retains 75% alpha acid after 6 months storage at 20ºC (68ºF)
Ease of Harvest	Easy to moderate
Total Oil Composition	1.5-3 mL/100g
Myrcene Oil Composition	60%-70%
Humulene Oil Composition	7%-12%
Caryophyllene Oil	5%-8%
Farnesene Oil	1%
Substitutes	Simcoe®, Cascade (US), Centennial, Mosaic®
Style Guide	India Pale Ale, American Ales, Amber