Cluster T-90 Hop Pellets - 1 lb
Description
US Cluster T90 Hop Pellets, 1 Pound sealed bulk package
Cluster is considered the oldest known American grown hop variety. While it's origins are unclear, it's thought that a wild American variety cross pollinated with some Dutch and English varieties brought over by settlers, and Cluster was born.
Usage
Cluster has been known for a very long time as a clean, balanced bittering hop. While this is true, late and dry hop additions have been known to add earthy, black currant characteristics, and even a hint of pineapple, melon and citrus. This hop should definitely be used for bittering, but don't count it out as an aroma hop until you try it!
Aroma and Flavor
Expect a clean, albeit not so clean as Magnum, and balanced bittering profile from Cluster hops when used as a 30 minutes plus bittering charge. Between 30 minutes and 10 minutes, some have had a specific juniper-earthy-cattiness from Cluster, especially when paired with other known 'catty' hop varieties like Simcoe. Aromas and flavors during later additions include distinct black currant, hints of pineapple and citrus, with some subtle melon undertones.
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A throwback to an old school variety, Cluster has come a long way in the last 30 years in how brewers use it. Originally a bittering hop, Cluster is somewhat widely used (by brewers in the know) as an aroma and dry hop to add some killer complexity, pine-y (almost cat-pissy) counterpoint to bright and tropical hops, bringing them out to their fullest.
Average Acid Content
| Alpha Acids: | 5.0% - 8.5% |
| Beta Acids: | 4.0% - 6.0% |
| Co-Humulone: | 36% - 42% |
Average Oil Content (% of Total Oils)
| Total Oils: | 0.4 - 1.0 mL/100g |
| Myrcene: | 38% - 46% |
| Humulene: | 15% - 18% |
| Caryophyllene: | 6% - 7% |
| Farnesene: | <1.0% |
| B-Pinene: | 0.5% - 0.7% |
| Linalool: | 0.4% - 0.8% |
| Geraniol: | 0.6% - 0.9% |
Possible Substitutes for Cluster
The commonly accepted substitute for Cluster is Galena, although Galena will be less piney or catty, and will lean slightly more towards black current in the flavor and aroma.
