POLARIS was developed by the Hop Research Institute in Hüll and has been cultivated in Germany since 2011-2012. Developed as a bittering agent to provide high alpha acid levels, it nonetheless offers interesting aromas and flavors. We therefore readily classify it as a dual-purpose strain.

Note: with its very high oil content, it could overpower other hops you might want to pair it with if used in “normal” quantities. From this perspective, and more on the palate than the nose, it could transform any beer into a solid IPA!

Its fruity character seems less pronounced when used only in dry hopping. Brewers acknowledge its punchy quality, making it great for Barley Wine beers. It also works very well in brown ales.

Aromas : Fruit, Citrus, Pine, Mint (more noticeable on the nose than on the palate)

Uses : IPA, Pale Ale, Imperial Lager, Barley Wine, Brown Ale

Acids :

• Alpha: 19-23%
• Beta: 5 – 6.5%
• Cohumulone: ​​22-28%

Total oils : 4-5ml/100g

Possible substitutes : Not easy… Australian topaz, which doesn’t exist in organic form. Hmm.