Alpha acids content in Czech hops from the harvest of 2021 – forecast, reality, trends

In the 2021 harvest, Czech hops—particularly the Saaz variety—achieved the highest alpha acids content and total production in 25 years, averaging 4.45% (Žatec), 4.20% (Úštěk), and 3.36% (Tršice). This record-breaking result, totaling 414.5 tons of alpha acids, stemmed from a combination of high yield per hectare and elevated alpha acid levels, influenced significantly by hop garden age, weather conditions, and the use of virus-free seedlings. The study employed pre-harvest and harvest predictions alongside detailed analyses of purchasing lots to assess these trends, revealing that older hop gardens and favorable environmental factors contributed to the exceptional output.

Krofta, K., Fritschová, G., Mikyška, A., Belešová, K., Vojtěchová, D., & Tichá, J. (2022). Alpha acids content in Czech hops from the harvest of 2021 – forecast, reality, trends. Kvasny Prumysl, 68(1), 564–571. https://doi.org/10.18832/kp2022.68.564