Huell Melon Hops

If you’ve never heard of Huell or Hallertau Melon Hops, don’t worry because it’s relatively new in the world of hops. Huell Melon hops came about because of the craft beer movement that has taken the world by storm. Modern craft beer differs from traditional beer because many of the hop varieties used are more flavorful and aromatic than traditional hops. Huell Melon is one of these newer hops created specifically for flavor and aroma purposes.

History of Huell Melon Hops

Created by the iconic Hop Research Insititute in Hull, Germany, Huell Melon is a game-changer. It’s bred as a cross between the Cascade and another Huell male hop, but the exact one is unknown. The breeding program from which Huell Melon came is headed by the Hop Whisperer, Anton Lutz.

Up until 2006, when Lutz started the breeding program, most new hops plants were bred to resemble the original noble hops. However, thanks to craft beer, the necessity arose to produce less bitter and more flavorful hops, which is how Huell Melon came to be.

General Characteristics

Huell Melon remains relatively unknown as far as characteristics outside of taste and smell go. It’s known for its delicious flavors and aroma. Huell Melon also has a subtle bitterness that’s mild but slightly noticeable.

Flavor & Aroma Profile

Huell Melon is usually used only as an aroma hop and has a noticeable honeydew melon flavor, mixed with strawberries and apricot. It’s often described as an intensely fruity and sweet hop and makes a perfect addition to fruity beer such as Hefeweizen. Huell Melon may also contain a hint of geranium, vanilla, orange, and fruit tea.

Brewing Values of Huell Melon Hops

Here are the brewing values for Huell Melon hops. Remember that every year produces different quantities and qualities of Huell Melon, so these numbers are an overall average.

• Alpha Acid – 6.9-8%

Alpha acids are the primary source of bitterness for beer, and the longer you boil Huell Melon hops, the more bitter it will be.

• Beta Acid – 6-8%

Beta acid might have acid in the name, but it doesn’t contribute to a beer’s bitterness, unlike Alpha. Betas’ purpose is to contribute flavor and aroma profile to a beer. Huell Melon is high in Beta, adding to its taste and aroma.

• Alpha-Beta Ratio – 1:1 – 1:1

The ratio you use for adding Alpha and beta acids will determine how bitter your brew is.

• Co-humulone as % of Alpha – 25-30%

The lower the cohumulone % is, the less bitter your beer will be. Higher levels will result in a more bitter taste.

• Total Oils 0.8-1.2 mL

Oils will also add flavor and aroma to the final product. Here are the different oils used with Huell Melon hops.

• Myrcene – 35-37%
• Humulene – 10-20%
• Caryophyllene – 5-10%
• Farnesene – 0-1%
• All Other Oils – 32-50%

Beer Styles That Use Huell Melon Hops

Huell Melon Hops isn’t used in as many beer styles as other types of hops, partially because of how new it is. However, it’s perfect for the following beers.

• Belgian Ale
• Hefeweizen
• IPA minus New England IPAs
• Blonde Ales
• Wild Ales

Beers That You Can Buy That Use Huell Melon Hops

If you’re interested in testing Huell Melon Hops firsthand, there are plenty of beers to choose from. Here’s a beer list that uses only Huell Melon Hops:

• Bursted Single Hop Series from El Segundo Brewing Company is a fan favorite
• You should also be sure to try Melon Smash from the Jagged Mountain Brewing Company  
• For a British beer, make sure to try Hull Melon Single Hop, brought to us by the Whitstable Brewery  
• Another top European option comes from Kehrwieder Kreativbrauerei and is named Shipa Hull Melon 

Common Substitutions For Huell Melon Hops

Huell Melon Hops isn’t always as readily available as other hop varieties. If you’re creating a brew that requires Huell Melon but can’t seem to find any, here are substitutions you can use.

• Belma
• Jarrylo
• Calypso
• Cascade

How to Grow Your Own Huell Melon Hops

Have we got you curious and thirsty enough to try to grow your own Huell Melon hops yet? If so, here is some crucial information that you’ll need.

Water

Like all hops, Huell Melon needs plenty of water, especially in the first two years of growth. Water Huell Melon regularly so that the soil remains moist but not flooded. You should be able to stick your finger two inches into the ground at all times and feel moisture.

Light

Huell Melon requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Full sun is ideal unless you live in warmer climates with high temperatures. Where the temperature is consistently in the 80s and 90s, your plant will need a mixture of sun and shade.

Soil

Sandy, well-drained loam soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 is best for growing Huell Melon hops. You’ll want to plant your rhizome at least four inches deep in the ground and allow enough space for your plant’s roots to spread. Planting each Huell Melon hop plant 3 to 5 feet apart should be sufficient.

Zones

Hops plants are hardy and can thrive in hardiness zones 3 through 8. It’s best to plant Huell Melon hops between February and April because they can withstand cold temperatures for the most part. However, you want to avoid planting them until after the last frost of the year.

Pruning

Keep your hop plants trimmed to maintain good growth and reduce pests and diseases. Trimming is also key to keeping hop plants growing vertically instead of horizontally. If needed, use a pole or post to help train your plants to grow in a vertical direction. At times, you may need to also introduce a fungicide or herbicide into the hop growth process to keep mildew and pests at bay.

Outdoor

Huell Melon will grow to a height of 20-25 feet tall, so you’ll want to plant them outdoors. You should also provide a trellis or support system to aid them as they grow tall.

Where To Purchase Huell Melon Hops

If you’re interested in creating your own homebrew using Huell Melon Hops, you can purchase your pellets at Amazon. If you’re hoping to buy the rhizome to plant Huell Melon for yourself, it’ll have to wait until it’s no longer under the protection of the European Plant Variety Rights.

Final Thoughts About Huell Melon Hops

Huell Melon is a tasty, unique variety of hops that has no equal, and its flavor and aroma are noticeable in an instant. It might be new in the world of hops, but it’s already a favorite among craft brewers and homebrewers alike. If you’re ready to try Huell Melon Hops for yourself, we guarantee that you won’t regret it.