mattbrewer
Well-Known Member
The early 1990's mark the introduction of this variety which is only grown around the area at this point. Victoria shares the same mother and birth pace as Galaxy Hopswhich has comparable characteristics. This mother is simply labeled as J78, and her pedigree is unknown.
Victoria Hops is a dual use hops with a high alpha acid content ranging from 11.5%-14.8%. Its really not that common of a variety, and is difficult to find in commercial beers. The co-humulone is high in Victoria at 38%-45%. Myrcene is the only oil to be outside of moderate range is fairly high at 30%-45%. Myrcene itself gives a fruity fragrance that is mixed with woody, and herbal peppery tones.
MOD: Post edited by Lord Raja Goomba I to insert (limited) description. Please make further descriptions available if possible. Original post below:
Hi all.
I'm having flavour issues with my home grown (Canberra) Victoria hop flowers. I have been using them as a single hop in APA/IPAs since the first harvest in February this year. I am an all grain brewer.
The resulting beers all have an unfavourable taste and a similar aroma - slightly rotten mandarins with a hint of guava. I tipped the first two batches out thinking that they were infected but will persevere with the 3rd into the bottle/keg to see if it gets better. At the same time, my other batches using other hops and brewing other styles have been working out with no issues.
Here are my thoughts
1. This is the normal taste for Victoria hops. They have been described as 'loquat' on this site. I have never tasted a loquat but I hope they don't taste like this.
2. I picked the hops too early. According to the literature, I should be getting a vegetal taste. I have imagined hard but can not come up with anything approaching canned corn or even grass. The hop flower aroma in the bags is wonderful, almost overpowing.
3. The batches are infected. I am familiar with infections from past experiences. I did all the usual cleaning and sterilizing associated with an infection. I am now convinced that this 3rd batch is not infected, it is the taste of the hops.
Any thoughts?
Matt