When we talk about beer today, we’re no longer just talking about bitterness.
We’re talking about aromas. About fruit. About flowers. About balance.
And behind all of that lies one key ingredient: hops. An ingredient that was long misunderstood, sometimes misused, but which has now become the heart of modern beer.
Today, hops are the ingredient that has completely transformed modern beer.The one that makes you say “wow” at the first sip.
But what exactly are hops?
What exactly are hops?
Hops are a climbing plant. A vine, in fact. They can grow up to 7 to 10 metres in a single season.
But what really interests us isn’t the leaves.
It’s the flowers, which are called cones.
Inside, there’s a yellow powder. Lupulin. And that’s where it all comes down to.
It is this that contains:
- the essential oils
- the aromas
- the bitterness
In fact, when we brew, we’re mainly after this lupulin. The rest of the plant is almost secondary.
👉 If you want to remember one thing: modern beer is all about lupulin.
Why do some beers smell of cannabis?
So yes, I get asked that all the time.
And no, you’re not dreaming.
Hops and cannabis belong to the same botanical family, the Cannabaceae.
They share certain aromatic molecules, notably terpenes.
This sometimes gives them notes that are:
- resinous
- herbal
- very “green”
But let’s be clear: hops are 100% legal and have no psychoactive effects.
However, they do have an interesting effect: they are naturally relaxing.
In fact, it’s a plant that has long been used in herbal teas to aid sleep.
And that puts things into perspective a bit:
yes, alcohol puts you to sleep quickly, but it disrupts your sleep.
Whereas hops tend to do the opposite.
👉 That’s why light or non-alcoholic beers, particularly IPAs, are becoming incredibly popular these days.
Hops in beer: why they have become so important ?
A beer always consists of four ingredients:
- water
- malt
- yeast
- hops
But their relative importance varies depending on the style.
- In a stout, it’s the malt that dominates
- In a German wheat beer, it’s the yeast
- In an IPA, it’s clearly the hops
And today, it’s the star of the show.
Why? Because we’re no longer just looking for bitterness. We’re looking for aroma.
Flavour profiles :
- mango
- passion fruit
- citrus
- flowers
With techniques like dry hopping, where hops are added after fermentation to boost the aromas without adding bitterness.
👉 The result: beers that are much more expressive, accessible and surprising.
Where in the world are hops grown?
Hops are a demanding plant.
They require :
- hot summers
- cold winters
- plenty of light
The main growing regions are :
- United States
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- New Zealand
These are highly specialised areas, requiring very specific expertise.
🇨🇭 Hops in Switzerland and the Valais
So naturally, you think, “Valais, sunshine, warmth… it should be perfect.” On paper, yes.
In reality, it’s more complicated.
Switzerland produces very little hops.
The reasons are simple:
- high costs
- labour-intensive
- lower yields
But things are changing.
We’re seeing local projects emerge – often small-scale, but of very high quality.
And here at WhiteFrontier, we’ve decided to get involved too.
We’ve planted several varieties, and in September we’ll already be harvesting for the third time.
👉 It’s not yet the norm, but there’s clearly momentum building.
Why is hops called ‘green gold’?
Because it’s a precious ingredient.
For one thing, it’s difficult to grow. Secondly, certain varieties are in high demand and produced in limited quantities.
And above all, in some beers, particularly IPAs, it accounts for a large proportion of the cost.
Several kilos of hops can be used per hectolitre.
👉 Yes, quite literally, you’re drinking a rare ingredient.
Is hops good for your health?
Hops have recognised properties:
- relaxing
- slightly sedative
- antibacterial
But let’s be honest.
In beer, the alcohol cancels all that out.
So no, an IPA is not a health product.
On the other hand, in non-alcoholic or very light beers, you can really enjoy the aromatic qualities and properties of hops without the negative effects.
Why hops completely change the way you think about beer ?
If you’ve ever said
“I don’t like beer”
there’s a good chance you simply haven’t found the right hops or the right balance yet.
Because it’s the hops that:
- create the emotion
- bring the freshness
- take you on a journey
Today, hops are an endless playground for brewers.
And clearly, that’s what makes beer so exciting.
