Why We Love Saaz Hops – Elegance, Spice, and Old-World Charm
In this latest instalment of our Storeroom Series, we’re turning the spotlight on a true classic of the hop world – Saaz. Known for its delicate aroma, subtle spice, and deep-rooted brewing heritage, Saaz hops might not be the loudest hop in the storeroom, but it’s one we reach for time and time again when we’re after finesse and balance in the brew.
If you’ve ever sat back with a can of our Loop Head Pilsner in hand, you’ll know it’s all about balance – crisp, clean, and quietly complex. And while it might not shout the loudest, there’s one key player in the mix doing a lot of the heavy lifting: Saaz.
One of the original noble hops, Saaz hails from the Czech Republic and has been used in brewing for centuries. It’s the quiet professional of the hop world – not the punchy tropical fruit bomb you might find in a modern IPA, but a refined character with delicate floral notes, a gentle spiciness, and that signature herbal edge. Think of it like the string section in an orchestra – not always front and centre, but absolutely essential to the harmony.
For us at Western Herd, Saaz is the cornerstone of our Loop Head Pilsner. It’s what gives the beer its trademark clean bitterness and that lovely soft finish. In a style as stripped back as a pilsner, there’s no hiding – every ingredient has to be on point, and Saaz delivers every time.
We use Saaz throughout the boil – with an early addition to set the tone with a soft, rounded bitterness, and then a later addition to preserve those delicate floral and herbal aromas. It’s a balancing act between bitterness and subtlety, and Saaz has the range to handle both.
Next time you’re sipping on a Loop Head, see if you can pick out that earthy, floral note that lingers just at the edge of the palate. That’s Saaz doing what it does best – quietly elevating the beer without stealing the show.