Calling all homebrewers who are itching to try out some new hop varieties! Sabro hops is one of the newest aroma hops on the market and it was specifically created for curious homebrewers. It’s one of the most aromatically pleasing hops to hit the market in the last 10 years, and it’s quickly making a name for itself. Sabro is right up there with well-known hops like Mosaic and Citra in terms of popularity and use. If you haven’t experimented with Sabro yet, you’re certainly missing out!
History/Origin of Sabro Hops
Sabro was released very recently in 2018, and it’s rapidly becoming a favorite for Hop Heads. Sabro was developed by the Hop Breeding Company, which was founded in 2003 specifically for getting America caught up with the rest of the hop world. Sabro came to us via a unique cross-pollination with a NeoMexicanus female hop and was originally known as Ron Mexico.
General Characteristics
While Sabro is technically considered a dual-purpose hop that adds aroma and bitterness, it’s mainly utilized for its aromas. Because of how new Sabro is, we know many more details about how it tastes and how it’s used than its growth details. Sabro is a mid to late-season hop that isn’t great for long periods of storage time.
Sabro looses over 30% of its alpha acids after 6 months of storage. Because it’s mostly used as a flavor and aroma hop, it’s often added in the late boiling stages of the brewing process.
Flavor & Aroma Profile
Sabro is described as a complex and delightful hop variety. Its flavor and aroma are second to none and are what set it above the rest of the hop competition. It has distinctly fruity and citrus flavors mixed in with mint and cedar. Throw in samplings of tropical, stone fruit, tangerine, and coconut, and you’ve got the whole picture of what Sabro adds to the brewing process. No other hop variety can add this mix of flavors in such a delightful way.
Brewing Values of Sabro Hops
Here are the brewing values for Sabro hops. Keep in mind that every year produces different quantities and qualities of Sabro, so these numbers are based on what is usually produced.
- Alpha Acid – 12-17%
Alpha acids are the primary source of bitterness for beer, and the longer you boil Sabro hops, the more bitter it will be.
- Beta Acid – 4.0-7.0%
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.
- Alpha-Beta Ratio – 2:1 – 4:1
The ratio you use for adding Alpha and beta acids will determine how bitter your brew is.
- Co-humulone as % of Alpha – 20-24%
The lower the cohumulone % is, the less bitter your beer will be. Higher levels will result in a more bitter taste.
- Total Oils 1.8-3.5 mL
Oils will also add flavor and aroma to the final product. Here are the different oils used with Sabro hops.
Myrcene – 50-68%
Humulene – 7-14%
Caryophyllene – 7-11%
Farnesene – 0-1%
All Other Oils – 6-36%
Beer Styles That Use Sabro Hops
There are a number of different types of beer styles that utilize the aroma powers of Sabro hops including IPAs, Pale Ales, Fruit beers, porters, and stouts. They’re predominantly used in IPAs and pale ales.
Beers That You Can Buy That Use Sabro Hops
- Paper Umbrella from Goose Island Beer Company
- Space Bound from Valley Brewing Company
- Science Box 2.0 from Single Hill Brewing Company
Common Substitutions For Sabro Hops
Sabro is one of the most popular hops on the market right now which means it should be readily available. Because of how new and unique Sabro is, there aren’t any concrete substitutions for it. It all depends on what type of beer you’re brewing and what flavor you’re going for.
How to Grow Your Own Sabro Hops
Have we got you curious and thirsty enough to try to grow your own Sabro hops yet? If so, here is some crucial information that you’ll need.
Water
Like all hops, Sabro needs plenty of water, especially in the first two years of growth. Water Sabro 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
Sabro 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 Sabro 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 Sabro 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 Sabro hops between the months of 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
Sabro will grow to a height of 20-25 feet tall, so you’ll want to plant them outdoors. You should also provide a trellace or support system to aid them as they grow tall.
Where To Purchase Sabro Hops
If we’ve got you thirsty and curious enough to try cooking up a homebrew using Sabro Hops, we encourage you to make your purchase here at Amazon.
Final Thoughts About Sabro Hops
Hops, craft brewing, and home brewing are exploding across the country and Sabro has been a big part of it. People are realizing that creating the perfect beer is fun and rewarding and it often isn’t possible without hops. Sabro is leading the charge in the world of hops and it doesn’t seem to backing off. If you don’t want to miss out and see what all the buzz is about, try Sabro with your next home or craft brew.
- About the Author
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Jalin Coblentz was born and raised in northeast Ohio in the heart of farming country and grew up working in the family garden growing corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and a wide range of vegetables.
Canning and preservation were also a way of life for Jalin growing up, and he spent countless hours helping his mother, grandmother, and aunts with these duties. It’s now his passion to share his skills and knowledge with others to help them achieve their own growing goals.