If malt is the backbone of a beer, hops are its spark, the part that makes your tastebuds sit up and say, “yep, that’s a good one.” From the crisp bitterness in a lager to the tropical punch of a hazy, hops are the unsung heroes of the brewing world.
At Stone & Wood, we’ve always believed in keeping things close to home, and that’s why we brew with 100% Australian hops from our mates at Hop Products Australia. But before we get to the why, let’s take a step back and look at what hops actually are, and how they’ve become so central to the beers you love.
What Are Hops?
It’s a question we often get asked: what is hops in beer, and what are hops used for?
Hops are the cone-shaped flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant, a climbing vine that thrives in cool, temperate regions. They might look delicate, but inside each little cone is a powerhouse of flavour and aroma.
Those tiny yellow glands inside the hop cone are packed with oils and resins that brewers like us use for three main things:
- Bitterness - balancing out the natural sweetness of malt.
- Aroma - think citrus, pine, passionfruit, spice… all depending on the hop variety.
- Preservation - hops help beer stay fresher for longer, a natural trait that’s been treasured for centuries.
So, when you raise a glass of Pacific Ale and breathe in that burst of passionfruit and tropical fruit, that’s the hops talking.
What Are Hops Used For in Brewing?
Hops aren’t just flavouring, they’re personality. They’re what sets an easy-drinking lager apart from a bold IPA, and what gives our Pacific Ale its signature fruity lift.
- Add them early in the boil, and you get bitterness.
- Add them late, and you capture more of their aroma and flavour.
- Use dry hopping, and you get a fresh, punchy character added after fermentation.
It’s this versatility that makes hops so special. They’re the spice rack of brewing - the finishing touch that makes each beer unique.
A History of Hops
Beer’s been around for thousands of years but hops only became a star player later in the story. The earliest beers, brewed by ancient cultures in Mesopotamia and Egypt, didn’t contain hops at all. Instead, brewers used herbs and spices to balance flavour.
It wasn’t until around the 9th century in Europe that hops began to appear in brewing. Monks were among the first to embrace them, discovering that hops not only added flavour and aroma, but also helped beer last longer, a pretty handy trick before refrigeration.
By the Middle Ages, hops were spreading across Germany, England and beyond, becoming the defining ingredient we know today.
Fast-forward to now, and hops are at the heart of modern brewing. From the piney notes of traditional European varieties to the bold tropical flavours of Australian-grown Galaxy®, hops continue to shape the beers we love, always evolving, always adding something new to the glass.
Why We Use All-Australian Hops
Australia might be better known for wine regions, but we’ve also got some of the world’s most innovative hop growers. The majority of Aussie hops are grown in Tasmania and Victoria, where the cool climate and fertile soils produce varieties found nowhere else.
When you sip one of our beers, you’re tasting the best of what these growers have to offer:
- Galaxy® - the star of our Pacific Ale, delivering that passionfruit and tropical aroma that’s become iconic.
- Ella™ - spicy and floral, perfect for rounding out more complex styles.
- Vic Secret™ - all pineapple and pine, bringing a bold, modern edge.
By choosing Australian hops, we’re not just celebrating local flavour, we’re supporting Aussie farmers, cutting down on food miles, and keeping our brewing connected to the land we love.
Brewing with the Land in Mind
From our backyard in the Northern Rivers to breweries across the country, we’re committed to brewing in a way that leaves the Earth in a better place than we found it. Using Australian hops means we’re reducing transport emissions and strengthening our connection to local growers who share our values of sustainability and stewardship.
It also means that every beer we pour carries a little piece of home, the rolling hop fields of Tassie, the crisp air of Victoria’s valleys, the soil that makes it all possible.
A Toast to Aussie Hops
Hops might be small, but they’ve got a big story to tell. They’re the reason your lager is refreshing, your pale ale is zesty, and your Pacific Ale is bursting with tropical fruit. And when they’re grown right here in Australia, they bring not just flavour, but community, sustainability and pride.
So next time you take that first sip, spare a thought for the humble hop cone, and for the Aussie farmers who make it possible.
Here’s to keeping it local, keeping it flavourful, and keeping it brewed with care!
