Discover the Fascinating Names Behind Popular Hop Varieties in Brewing

Craft IPA or classic pilsner: hops give beer its aroma, bitterness and soul. But some famous varieties hide an extra twist — they carry human names. Behind those names are breeding breakthroughs, distinct flavors and surprising stories from the brewing world, proving that every pint can come with a character of its own.

Hops are a perennial climbing plant that can reach impressive heights. With suitable support, it grows up to seven meters high and adds several centimeters daily. As a true sun worshiper, it thrives particularly well in warm climates.

For brewing beer, hop cones are crucial as they provide the characteristic bitterness and, through their oils, create special aromas, such as fruity notes. The variety of hop types allows for an enormous spectrum of flavors in beer.

The names of hop varieties often come from their countries of origin, but mythological figures also play a role. For example, the variety Pekko is named after the Finnish god of fields and brewing, while Citra is known for its citrus-like aromas.

Hops are versatile and love warmth, making them a perfect namesake for children born in summer. Interestingly, only the cones of female hop plants are used in brewing beer, but there are also suitable names for boys.

(First) Names of Hop Varieties and Their Countries of Origin

• Agnus - Czech Republic
• Amethyst - Czech Republic
• Apollo - USA
• Aramis - France
• Archer - United Kingdom
• Ariana - Germany
• Atlas - Slovenia
• Aurora - Slovenia
• Beata - United Kingdom
• Belma - USA
• Boadicea - United Kingdom
• Bor - Czech Republic
• Callista - Germany
• Calypso - USA
• Chelan - USA
• Citra - USA
• Columbus - USA
• Crystal - USA
• Dana - Slovenia
• Ella - Australia
• Enigma - Australia
• Galena - USA
• Golding - United Kingdom
• Herald - United Kingdom
• Herkules - Germany
• Kazbek - Czech Republic
• Liberty - USA
• Monroe - Germany
• Nelson Sauvin - New Zealand
• Nugget - USA
• Opal - Germany
• Pekko - USA
• Phoenix - United Kingdom
• Pilgrim - United Kingdom
• Rubin - Czech Republic
• Dr. Rudi - New Zealand
• Saphir - Germany
• Sterling - USA
• Summer - Australia
• Sun - USA
• Sybilla - Poland
• Sylva - Australia
• Topaz - Australia
• Vital - Czech Republic
• Wolf - Slovenia
• Zeus - USA