Bramling Cross Hops - U.K. Grown T-90 Pellets
Bramling Cross Hops for Blackcurrant, Spice, and Distinctive English Character
Bramling Cross is a United Kingdom grown hop, offered here in standard T-90 pellet form and valued by brewers who want a more distinctive English hop profile than the classic earthy-floral norm. Released by Wye College in 1951 from a cross first made in 1927, Bramling Cross was bred from Bramling and a male seedling with Manitoban wild hop ancestry, giving it a more unusual flavor profile than many traditional English varieties. Lot-specific flavor and aroma notes may include Black Currants, Pears.
That background helps explain why Bramling Cross has remained interesting to brewers for so long. It still carries recognizable English structure, but it also brings a darker fruit and spice character that makes it stand out in both traditional and more experimental recipes. It is one of the more distinctive English hops when the goal is something familiar, but not plain.
Flavor and Brewing Character
Bramling Cross is known for blackcurrant, spice, and lemon-like citrus character, backed by berry notes and a slightly wild edge that can become especially expressive in later additions. It is often chosen when a brewer wants English hop character with more individuality and more noticeable fruit complexity.
In the brewhouse, Bramling Cross is well suited to late additions, hop-back use, dry hopping, and traditional bittering applications. It fits naturally in English ales, bitters, porters, and other British-inspired beers, especially when the recipe would benefit from a more distinctive late-hop signature.
Why Brewers Choose Bramling Cross
Brewers often choose Bramling Cross because it offers something different from more standard English hop options. It still works well in classic British beer styles, but the blackcurrant and spice character gives it a more memorable profile that can add depth and individuality to the finished beer.
Hop Specifications
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Hop form: T-90 Pellets
- Alpha acid: 5-8%
- Typical beer styles: English ales, bitters, porters, and other British-inspired beers
Packaging and Storage
Available in 1 oz and 1 lb sizes unless otherwise noted. Store cold after opening and keep oxygen exposure low to help preserve aroma, oils, and overall brewing performance.