Crystal Hops bears a low alpha acid rating of 3.5%-6.0%,
and carries a relatively high myrcene oil content. This combination makes it
ideal for aroma additions in the wort as it bring with it a mix of woody,
green, some floral and fruit notes, with some herb and spice character. Crystal
Hops lends itself to a number of beers like Light Ales, such as Goldens, Pale
Ales, Aroma for India Pale Ales, and even Stouts and Lagers.
Crystal's ancestral tree suggests it was intended to be disease resistant,
and this proves so with its resistance to downy mildew. Acreage of Crystal is
on the rise, even though its yield is on the light side. Crystal is fairly easy
to obtain, however its profile allows itself of substitution with other
varieties including Hersbrucker and Hallertau Hops. It is more widely used in
the U.S. but can be found in beers from England as well.
