SAAZ—Fine Aroma Hop Pedigree: A Review of Current Knowledge

Abstract

The hop variety Saaz is well known over the world and is usually used for brewing of lager beers. Recently, the new related varieties Saaz Late, Brilliant, Comfort, and Shine were registered. Information about these varieties is splintered and often available only in the Czech language in regional journals. This review (i) summarizes previously published data (breeding history, genetic data, basic parameters such as yield, sensory profile, concentrations of key technologically important hop compounds), (ii) presents long-term data (2004–2021), and (iii) shows similarities/differences among these varieties. All Saaz varieties are typically fine aroma hops with a relatively low content of alpha bitter acids ranging from 5 to 7 wt%, cohumulone amounts lower than 30% rel., and hop oil content of about 1.0 wt%. Even though the new varieties have no identical chemical parameters to the original Saaz, they can substitute this established standard as well. Furthermore, the varieties Saaz Comfort and Saaz Shine show high resistance to Pseudoperonospora humuli as well as very good tolerance to drought.