Vanguard hops possess a unique acid profile. They feature a somewhat rare balance of low alpha acid and high beta acid and an oil profile dominated by high levels of humulene and yet very low levels of cohumulone.
Despite exhibiting some similarities to Hallertau Mittelfrüh, surely as a result of their close lineage, this unusual profile gives Vanguard a pronounced woody and herbal character atop a definitive spiciness. The spicy quality is suggested to be particularly evident when Vanguard is used as an early addition.
Vanguard was the final Hallertau-derived variety to come out of the USDA’s hop breeding program and were released to the brewing world in 1997 after a long 15 years of development and testing. They are grown principally in the US and are considered great for adding a European-style aroma component to German-style beers.
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| Also Known As | |
| Characteristics | |
| Purpose | Aroma |
| Alpha Acid Composition | 4.40%-6% |
| Beta Acid Composition | 6%-7% |
| Co-Humulone Composition | 14%-16% |
| Country | US |
| Cone Size | Small to medium |
| Cone Density | Loose to Moderate |
| Seasonal Maturity | Early |
| Yield Amount | 1300-1700 kg/hectare (1160-1520 lbs/acre) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Resistant to | Resistant to downy mildew |
| Susceptible to | |
| Storability | Retains 75%-80% alpha acid after 6 months storage at 20ºC (68ºF) |
| Ease of Harvest | Difficult |
| Total Oil Composition | 0.9-1.2 mL/100g |
| Myrcene Oil Composition | 20%-25% |
| Humulene Oil Composition | 45%-50% |
| Caryophyllene Oil | 12%-14% |
| Farnesene Oil | 0%-1% |
| Substitutes | Liberty, Mount Hood, Hallertauer Mittelfrüh, Saaz |
| Style Guide | Porter, Cream Ale, Lager, Rye Ale, Amber Ale, Belgian Ale, French Ale |
Where to Buy Vanguard HopsAs a listing requirement, all suppliers below ship nationally to their respective countries. |
Great Fermentations (USA)
Northwest Hop Farms (Canada)
Amazon (USA)
Do you sell this hop? Contact Us.
References
http://beerlegends.com/vanguard-hops
https://www.freshops.com/hops/usda-named-hop-variety-descriptions#usda_id_Vanguard
https://www.hopunion.com/vanguard/
http://www.brew365.com/hops_vanguard.php
https://craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=2967
http://www.usahops.org/userfiles/file/HGA%20BCI%20Reports/HGA%20Variety%20Manual%20-%20English
Comments 2
Maybe I am missing something but I don’t see a listing for Hallertau Mittelfrüh anywhere, though it is referenced in other hop listings.
Author
Hi Russ, try ‘Hallertau’.