GR Magnum Hop Profile
Origin:
- Germany
- Developed at the Hop Research Center Hüll in the 1980s
- Bred from Galena and a German male hop
Type:
- Dual-purpose, but especially valued as a bittering hop due to its high alpha acid content and neutral flavor
Typical Alpha Acids:
Beta Acids:
Aroma & Flavor Notes:
-
Mild Spice: Gentle, classic German hop spice
-
Floral: Light, subtle flowers
-
Fruit: Very low fruitiness—sometimes a faint apple or pear in the background
-
Herbal: Mild, “green” note on the finish
-
Other: Exceptionally clean bitterness, making it a favorite for base bitterness
Brewing Characteristics:
- Prized for its clean, smooth, and very neutral bitterness
- Adds minimal aroma/flavor impact, making it perfect for many lager styles, wheat beers, and any recipes where you want a blank hop canvas
- Also used as a supporting bittering addition alongside more aromatic late hops
Best Beer Styles:
- Pilsner (German and international styles)
- Helles, Export, Bock
- Kölsch, Wheat Beer
- IPA (for clean bitterness with layered, late-aroma hops)
- Blonde, Cream Ale—any clean or malt-forward beer
Substitutes:
- Horizon (similar clean, high-alpha)
- Nugget (stronger mint, more “American” character)
- Perle (but with more aroma/flavor and less clean bitterness)
Fun Fact:
Magnum is grown widely both in Germany and the US. German Magnum is regarded as having the softest, smoothest bitterness—a staple for lager brewers.
