I got some of both. the Czech Saaz is 3% alpha and the US is a whopping 8% (both pellets). Never used the US version. What 's the difference besides the obvious? I’ll probably use the higher alpha US for bittering, and the Czech for aroma/flavor.
I’ve tried the US Saaz in a BoPils. Thought they were too harsh for my taste.
The US version will have a higher cohumulone level than the Czech version, making them a bit harsher. Personally, I would only use Czech Saaz in a BoPils.
This is good info as I will be doing my first czech pils soon. My favorite style hands down- it’s the first I want to nail exactly.
On top of “saaz vs tettnanger” Google search (http://www.scientificsocieties.org/jib/papers/1997/1997_103_4_239.pdf):
Abstract:
Analyses of essential oil from 16 samples and a-acids and p*acids in samples of Tettnanger hops
grown in the USA showed that they were not the same as Tettnanger hops grown in the Tettnang
district of Germany. The composition of the essential oils and ratios of a-acid to (3-acid in samples
grown in the USA were consistent with them being the English variety Fuggle. Samples of USA clones
of Tettnanger and Hallertau mittelfriiher grown in Australia also appeared to be Fuggle but
commercial sample of Saaz grown in Yakima was similar to Saaz grown in England, at Wye. The
varieties Saaz and Tettnanger were indistinguishable by chemical methods.
Basically, its not just the variety that determines the hop, its to a large part also growing region. Somewhere else I remember seeing a report that Saaz and Tettnanger are genetically identical.
Based on that I’d say go with Czech Saaz. US grown Saaz is for breweries that need to keep and eye on the hop price.
Kai
Kai, At the NHC Stan Hieronymus stated that Saaz, Tettnanger, Spalt, and Lublin were all identical genetically. I had to write that down as it was the first time I had heard that.
The local conditions, or the terroir, is what makes them a little different.
Completely anecdotal, and I haven’t compared them in a while, but a few years ago I seemed to be getting results from domestic mimics than with the domestic versions of Saaz or Hallertau or whatever. I think with Crystal, Vanguard, and Mt. Hood you have a better idea of what you’re actually getting, plus you’re getting hops that are specially selected for growing conditions in the PNW.
What do you think about using the US Saaz for bittering, and the Czech for flavor and aroma?
The ones you listed are HM daughters, along with Liberty and Ultra.
Sterling is a daughter of Saaz. Santium is from Tettnang.