Citra^® Hops

Citra^® stands as an absolute titan of modern brewing, widely credited with rewriting the global lexicon of craft beer flavor and anchoring the modern IPA revolution. Developed by the Hop Breeding Company, this historic variety was first selected in 1990 under the experimental code X-114 and officially released to the public in 2007. Its pedigree represents an international tapestry of elite heritage genetics, meticulously weaving together a lineage that includes Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnanger (US), Brewer's Gold, and East Kent Golding. Despite its star status today as a dominant aroma hop, Citra^® was initially passed over by major macro-breweries that found its intense, multi-dimensional oil output too polarizing for traditional profiles. It wasn't until forward-thinking craft breweries embraced its expressive properties for late-kettle, whirlpool, and intensive dry-hop additions that it ignited a worldwide shift, fundamentally changing expectations for commercial hop saturation.

The sensory architecture of Citra^® delivers an unforgettable, high-impact tropical and citrus masterclass that completely sidesteps sharp resinous burn or harsh diesel-like notes. The bouquet opens with an unmistakable, headlining blast of sweet pink grapefruit, ripe mango, juicy passionfruit, and crushed lychee. This exotic foreground transitions seamlessly into a bright, zesty middle layer filled with fresh lime peel, crisp gooseberry, and fleshy orchard peach, all anchored by a clean, supporting baseline of wild field grass and faint pine needle. Because the variety boasts an exceptionally high concentration of free and bound geraniol alongside a low-cohumulone profile, it acts as a premier vehicle for active fermentation biotransformations. This allows yeast to cleanly morph its raw essential oils into deep, stable fruit complexities that remain smooth, rounded, and remarkably refreshing on the palate.