Salzburg breweries turn to heat-resistant hop varieties

Salzburg breweries that grow their own hops are increasingly using heat-resistant varieties as summers become drier, ORF reported. The dry conditions have affected this year’s hop harvest.

Salzburg breweries source most of their hops from major growing regions such as Germany’s Hallertau and the Mühlviertel. Smaller quantities are grown in Obertrum in Flachgau and at the Stieglgut in Wildshut in the Innviertel.

Stiegl brewmaster Sebastian Essl said the dry summer and tropical nights had caused severe heat damage to the plants. The hops could no longer cool down at night, causing the leaves to turn grey and fall off.

Despite the conditions, Essl said the harvest had produced a good quantity. The brewery is now assessing the levels of alpha acids and oil, which contribute to the beer’s bitter aroma.

Felix Bussler, brewmaster at the Trumer Privatbrauerei in Obertrum, said breweries needed to adapt to the changing conditions and be willing to use new hop varieties. He said there was a clear trend towards climate-resistant varieties.

Salzburg brewers say the Flachgau region could support more hop cultivation. Producing a beer made entirely from hops grown in Salzburg would require further adaptation to the changing climate.