The Barth-Haas Group’s Brewing Solutions and Sensory Team are proud to share with you our Hop Aroma Standards Kit: a resource for brewers and people in the brewing industry to help train on the positive flavor attributes of hops.
Training for your Senses
With no existing sensory standards in place, uniform sensory descriptions have been hard to come by. That's why the Barth-Haas Group developed a uniform Sensory Language specifically for hops and hoppy beers that defines 12 aroma categories and identifies the specific aroma attributes of each.
Floral
Elderflower, chamomile blossom, lily of the valley, jasmine, apple blossom, rose, geranium, carnation, lilac, lavender
Berry & Currant
Cassis, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, cassis (black currant), red currant, wild strawberries, cranberries
Herbal
Lovage, thuja, basil, parsley, tarragon, dill, fennel, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, green tea, black tea, mate tea, sage
Citrus
Grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, bergamot, lemon grass, ginger, tangerine
Cream Caramel
Butter, chocolate, yogurt, honey, cream, caramel, toffee, coffee, tonka, vanilla
Spicy
Pepper, chilli, curry, juniper, aniseed, nutmeg, liquorice, clove, gingerbread, fennel seeds
Sweet Fruit
Banana, watermelon, honeydew melon, peach, apricot, passion fruit, lychee, dried fruit, plum, pineapple, cherry, kiwi, mango, guava
Woody Aromatic
Tobacco, cognac, barrique, leather, woodruff, incense, myrrh, resin, cedar, pine, earthy
Green-Grassy
Green-grassy, fresh cut grass, hay, tomato leaves, green peppers, nettle
Green Fruit
Pear, quince, apple, gooseberry, white wine grapes
Menthol
Mint, lemon balm, camphor, menthol, wine yeast
Vegetal
Celery stock, celery root, leek, onion, artichoke, garlic, wild garlic
Included in the Kit:
The Hop Aroma Standards Kit contains 12 individual aroma vials each representing one of the aroma categories that comprise the 12-point Barth-Haas sensory language. The Kit has been created as a tool to train brewers and the brewing industry on the unique aromas of hops. Each vial is made up of food grade compounds that was developed for smelling (orthonasal),
not for consumption.
*We’ve partnered with Yakima Valley Hops for the sales and distribution of these kits. Clicking will redirect you to their sales transaction site.
The Science Behind the Kit
Victor Algazzali, Flavor Sensory Chemist at Haas, describes the development of the flavor compounds and subsequent flavor language that are showcased in the Hop Aroma Standards Kit.
How to Use
Instructions
Use the Hop Aroma Standards Kit as a tool during regular sensory training sessions or as a warm-up before sensory evaluation. In order to train your senses to better identify hop aromas, it is recommended that you routinely smell the aroma vials.
- Simply take an aroma vial from the Kit and unscrew the cap.
- Gently smell (do not consume) the aroma that diffuses from the aroma vial.
- Replace the cap on the aroma vial and return the vial to its position in the Kit.
Storage Conditions
We recommend storing the Hop Aroma Standards Kit in your sensory booths, sensory room, or space designated for beer quality evaluations. Store the Hop Aroma Standards away from sun light in room temperature conditions (65F). For prolonged storage you may store the Hop Aroma Standard Kit in a refrigerator or freezer (0-40F). If stored cold, ensure that the vials return to room temperature before use in sensory training.
Shelf Life
We guarantee 6 months shelf life at room temperature (65F) with repeated usage. Storing vials in colder conditions with less frequent usage may increase shelf life. For the Best Before Date, see the manufacturer label on the bottom side of the Hop Aroma Standards Kit.
*We’ve partnered with Yakima Valley Hops for the sales and distribution of these kits. Clicking will redirect you to their sales transaction site.