In the world of craft beer, hops do more than add flavor—they define it. These green cones are the building blocks of bitterness, aroma, and character. From juicy hazy IPAs to crisp lagers, hops shape every sip. And among the hundreds of varieties out there, a handful consistently stand out. These are the most popular hops used by craft breweries across the globe.
But what makes these hop varieties so special? It’s all about bold aromas, complex flavors, and regional flair. Some hail from the Pacific Northwest. Others come from Europe, New Zealand, or Australia. Each one brings something unique to the brew.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most in-demand hop varieties, their origins, and why brewers—and beer lovers—keep coming back for more.
What Are Hops and Why Are They Used?
Hops are the cone-shaped flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant. Inside each cone are lupulin glands packed with oils and acids. These give beer its signature bitterness, aroma, and preservative properties.
Craft brewers use hops to:
- Balance sweetness from malt
- Add signature flavor and aroma
- Enhance mouthfeel and foam retention
- Extend freshness and shelf life
In short? Hops bring the bold—and they keep beer exciting.
The Most Popular Hops Used by Craft Brewers (With Origins)
Let’s dive into the essential hop lineup. These are the flavor-packed heroes showing up in everything from flagship IPAs to limited-edition collabs.
Citra® – United States (Washington State)
One of the most widely used hops in modern craft beer.
- Flavor & Aroma: Intense citrus and tropical fruit—think lime, mango, passionfruit, and grapefruit.
- Use: A go-to for IPAs and hazy styles. Often used in late additions and dry hopping.
- Why It’s Popular: High oil content, juicy profile, and crowd-pleasing fruit-forward flavor.
Mosaic® – United States (Washington State)
Nicknamed “the hop that has it all.”
- Flavor & Aroma: Blueberry, tropical fruits, citrus, pine, and earthy funk.
- Use: Versatile across IPAs, pale ales, and sours.
- Why It’s Popular: Complex and layered. Mosaic adds depth with a modern hop punch.
Simcoe® – United States (Washington State)
A dual-purpose hop that nails both bitterness and aroma.
- Flavor & Aroma: Apricot, pine, earthy, berry, and citrus zest.
- Use: Great for both bittering and aroma. Common in West Coast IPAs.
- Why It’s Popular: A dual-purpose workhorse with balanced bitterness and fruity flair.
Cascade – United States (Oregon)
The OG of American craft hops, first made famous by Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
- Flavor & Aroma: Floral, grapefruit, and slight spice.
- Use: Classic in American Pale Ales and craft lagers.
- Why It’s Popular: It’s a legacy hop. Clean, bright, and reliable.
Centennial – United States (Washington State)
Often called “Super Cascade.”
- Flavor & Aroma: Lemon, floral, pine, and light spice.
- Use: Known as “Super Cascade,” it’s bold in IPAs and pale ales.
- Why It’s Popular: Delivers big flavor with smooth bitterness.
Amarillo® – United States (Washington State)
A darling of dry hop additions.
- Flavor & Aroma: Orange peel, floral, and tropical fruit.
- Use: Great in dry hopping. Adds a floral sweetness to pale ales and IPAs.
- Why It’s Popular: Unique orange character that plays well with others.
Nelson Sauvin – New Zealand
A world-class hop from the southern hemisphere.
- Flavor & Aroma: White wine, gooseberry, tropical fruit.
- Use: A favorite in juicy and hazy IPAs.
- Why It’s Popular: Distinctive and bold. It’s New Zealand in a cone.
Galaxy® – Australia
The hop that helped launch the NEIPA boom globally.
- Flavor & Aroma: Passionfruit, peach, citrus, and pine.
- Use: Ideal for hazy IPAs and NEIPAs.
- Why It’s Popular: Bursting with juicy aromatics and flavor intensity.
Saaz – Czech Republic
A classic noble hop with centuries of brewing tradition.
- Flavor & Aroma: Earthy, herbal, and spicy.
- Use: Classic in pilsners and traditional lagers.
- Why It’s Popular: Noble heritage. Balanced, elegant, and clean.
El Dorado® – United States (Washington State)
A modern American hop with a playful side.
- Flavor & Aroma: Candied fruit, pineapple, watermelon, pear.
- Use: Popular in tropical IPAs and fruit-forward brews.
- Why It’s Popular: Adds sweet, candy-like fruit notes without overwhelming bitterness.
Why These Hops Matter
These hop varieties aren’t just popular—they’re iconic. Brewers reach for them because they:
- Enhance drinkability
- Define beer styles
- Deliver reliable flavor and aroma
- Offer flexibility in the kettle, whirlpool, or dry hop
From the dank bite of Simcoe to the juicy burst of Citra, these hops shape the modern craft beer experience.
Final Thoughts: A Hop-Driven Future
The world of hops is always evolving. But one thing’s clear: the most popular hops keep rising because they deliver the flavor, aroma, and innovation that today’s craft drinkers crave.
So next time you sip a bold IPA, a crisp pale ale, or even a tropical sour—check the label. Chances are, you’ll find one of these hop heavyweights working their magic in every drop.
Photos: AI
