Fuggle Hops
Hop Variety
Fuggle
Origin
UK
Alpha Acid %
3 – 6%
Beta Acid %
2%
Background
Fuggle was introduced to the brewing world around 1875 by a man named Richard Fuggle after he selected the variety as a seedling found growing in a garden in Horsmonden in Kent in around 1861. Since that time it has become one of the foundations of British ale brewing due to its delicate aroma and pleasant qualities.
In recent times Fuggle has become overlooked in terms of its economy and hops that have a superior yield and disease tolerance. It has however become the go to variety for parenting other hop varieties such as Willamette.
A clone of Fuggle is also grown in Slovenia under the name of Styrian Golding.
Brewing Attributes
Fuggle is primarily an aroma hop but has been used extensively as a bittering hop although it is now more economical to use other higher alpha varieties. The bittering qualities are pleasant and herbal but as an aroma hop fuggles is a cornerstone in the brewing industry.
Words often associated with English hops like earthy and herbal apply to Fuggle but there is a woody note as well. Some home brewers report it being too woody in green or very young beers but aging subdues the rough edges.
Possible Substitutions
Willamette is a good substitute being bred from Fuggles parents, Styrian Goldings although being identical to Fuggle has more similarities to East Kent Goldings although the latter are often used interchangeably with Fuggle.
Commercial Examples
Fuggle is used in many, many beers in conjunction with other hops and this is a position is shines in. Fullers London Porter use them as does Samual Adams Pale Ale both in conjunction with other hops. Meantime Breweries IPA is also another prominent beer with Fuggle hops in.
