Hops 101: Understanding Citra, Mosaic, and Cascade Aromas


Fresh green hop cones for craft brewing
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Hops are often called the spice of craft beer. While malt provides the fermentable sugars and backbone, hops impart the crucial bitterness, floral aromas, and vibrant fruity notes that craft beer lovers crave.

The Big Three: Citra, Mosaic, and Cascade

If you have spent time exploring craft beer or browsing the taps at PourHaus, you have undoubtedly encountered these three powerhouse hops.

1. Cascade: The American Craft Pioneer

Developed in Oregon in the 1970s, Cascade ignited the American craft beer revolution. Known for its distinct grapefruit aroma and balanced floral undertones, Cascade remains the gold standard in classic American Pale Ales.

2. Citra: The Tropical Powerhouse

Released in 2008, Citra revolutionized modern IPAs. Packed with essential oils, it delivers intense aromas of mango, lime, passionfruit, and bright citrus. It is the star of our flagship hazy brews.

3. Mosaic: Complexity in Every Cone

The daughter of Simcoe and a Nugget-derived male, Mosaic offers an intricate palette of blueberry, tangerine, and earthy pine. It creates multilayered flavor profiles that evolve with every sip.

How We Dry-Hop at PourHaus

To preserve delicate aromatics that would otherwise boil away, our brewers utilize cold dry-hopping in fermentation tanks. This extracts maximum aroma with minimal harsh bitterness, producing crisp, refreshingly fragrant pints.


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