Hop Varieties: Sabro Hops

Ah Sabro hops, the Marmite of hops, or so some say. I love a bit of Sabro, it's got some very interesting flavour and aroma components that you don't get with other hops. As beer tasters, learning how we pick out hops in beer and which ones we like is a fun process.  In this series of blog posts I will look at specific hop varieties and tell you about their origins, what to expect from their flavour and aroma and finally suggest some beers to try that they are used in.  Let’s learn about Sabro Hops.

Xylo Pale Ale by Xylo Brewing

What is the history of Sabro hops?

Originating in New Mexico as HBC 438, Sabro hops began as an experimental hop from the Hop Breeding Company. They also produce Mosaic and Citra, so cultivate some of the leading hops we use in beer today.  When hops are cultivated they are not given a commercial name at first (hence the HBC 438).  Sabro hops were developed over the space of 20 years before they were officially named Sabro.  So you may have drunk beers with it in before it was even named!  In 2018 it was decided the hop was ready to be released commercially and it got its official name.  It was developed no only for it’s unique flavour and aroma properties, but also for excellent brewing qualities and good growing properties.

What is the origin of Sabro hops?

Geek alert - Sabro has a neomexicanus heritage, which means it was grown from wild hops found in the mountains of New Mexico.  Most hops, even though they are grown on other continents, trace their origins back to European hops, but not Sabro hops!  The neomexicanus wild hops have given this variety a unique profile that had not been seen before.  This has now been passed on to Sabro hops granddaughter Talus as well.

What do Sabro hops taste like?

When I smell Sabro I get strong coconut, pineapple and juicy tropical fruits - think Pina Colada.  Some people also get tangerine, cedar and cream. Hops are often categorised into bittering and aroma hops – bittering hops had bitterness and aroma hops add more flavour and aroma.  Sabro is considered an aroma hop so is great in IPAs and NEIPAs.

Sabro SMaSH IPA by The White Hag

How do you use Sabro hops?

As Sabro is an aroma hop they are best used by brewers at the end of the boil or during dry hopping.  This will mean that the delicate aroma compounds that give the unique coconut, tropical fruit and cream flavours will survive into the brew.

DDH Sabro Pale by Earth Station

What hops pair well with Sabro?

Sabro hops are an American hop variety so they go well in beers that use other American hops to intensify the juicy, tropical fruit flavours and aromas.  Look out for combinations with Mosaic, Citra, Cashmere, Galaxy, Ekuanot and Strata.

42 DDH Pale Ale Sabro & Citra by BBNO

What beers have Sabro hops?

The best way to really taste a hop is to find a single hopped beer.  This means the brewer has only used that one hop in the brew.  My Little Sabrony by Arbor Ales is single hopped with Sabro and can be found usually quite easily.

UK breweries such as Track, Pomona Island, Polly’s and Pressure Drop regularly use Sabro hops in their beers.  Keep an eye out on IPAs, DIPAs and NEIPAs for this creamy hop variety.

I have seen Sabro hops used a little in darker beers.  Craft Cats produced a version of their porter hopped with Sabro – so it can be very versatile.

Oh No It’s Crimefighter by Dig Brew Co

What is your favourite beer that used Sabro?  Head on over to Instagram to let me know!