Zappa™ is a native, North American, Humulus lupulus variety, neomexicanus, recovered from the wild in New Mexico. Named after Frank Zappa, in collaboration with the Zappa family, this hop is as counterculture as the musician himself.
Spicy with strong notes of tropical fruit (mango, passion fruit), citrus, and pine. Additional descriptors include savory, mint, and Fruity Pebbles™.
Perfect for use as an aroma variety for the whirlpool and dry hopping for any hop- or complementary fruit-forward style: hazy or milkshake IPA, fruited sour, pale ale, American strong ale, and wild or mixed-fermentation beers.
I did an IPA with nothing but Zappa Hops because I wanted to see the flavor as it stands on its own. It is a little harsher than some hop varieties. More piney/resinous than citrus or tropical, although I've seen tropical flavors and a common descriptor. There is something reminiscent of roasted green chilies in the background, which I think is interesting being a New Mexican hop (I also am a native New Mexican, and roasted green chili is huge here, so someone not familiar with that flavor may miss it). Overall, I do like it, and I'm drinking the IPA way faster than I probably should, but next time I will probably tone down the Zappa and mix with some other varieties for a rounder hop flavor. One thing too, as I'm learning more about biotransformation, it is my understanding that this is accomplished from adding hops during the fermentation rather than after it is complete. This may be why more people are getting those tropical and "fruity pebbles" flavors than I got. Just a possibility.
P
Peter C.
SMASHING Grapefruit
I made a SMASH with 2 Row and Zappa to see how it performed. I did a boil addition, whirlpool and dry hop.
It resulted in a huge Grapefruit flavor. Loved it.
J
Josh Z.
Great hops for a NEIPA
These hops don't get the attention they deserve. They create a nice fruity aroma and flavor that is perfect for a NEIPA (I used them in a milkshake IPA and it turned out great). I bought them for the supposed "fruity pebbles" aroma, but I'm not really getting that. Still a great hop, though.
J
Jeff
Love these hops
These are some of my personal favorite hops. Great juicy flavors and goes perfect with any milkshake IPAs and other hazy IPA styles
I did an IPA with nothing but Zappa Hops because I wanted to see the flavor as it stands on its own. It is a little harsher than some hop varieties. More piney/resinous than citrus or tropical, although I've seen tropical flavors and a common descriptor. There is something reminiscent of roasted green chilies in the background, which I think is interesting being a New Mexican hop (I also am a native New Mexican, and roasted green chili is huge here, so someone not familiar with that flavor may miss it). Overall, I do like it, and I'm drinking the IPA way faster than I probably should, but next time I will probably tone down the Zappa and mix with some other varieties for a rounder hop flavor. One thing too, as I'm learning more about biotransformation, it is my understanding that this is accomplished from adding hops during the fermentation rather than after it is complete. This may be why more people are getting those tropical and "fruity pebbles" flavors than I got. Just a possibility.
P
Peter C.
SMASHING Grapefruit
I made a SMASH with 2 Row and Zappa to see how it performed. I did a boil addition, whirlpool and dry hop.
It resulted in a huge Grapefruit flavor. Loved it.
J
Josh Z.
Great hops for a NEIPA
These hops don't get the attention they deserve. They create a nice fruity aroma and flavor that is perfect for a NEIPA (I used them in a milkshake IPA and it turned out great). I bought them for the supposed "fruity pebbles" aroma, but I'm not really getting that. Still a great hop, though.
J
Jeff
Love these hops
These are some of my personal favorite hops. Great juicy flavors and goes perfect with any milkshake IPAs and other hazy IPA styles
