Czechia, the world's leading beer consumer per capita, faces a brewing crisis as droughts and heatwaves threaten the iconic Saaz hops that define its renowned pilsners. Researchers at the Hop Research Institute are pioneering new, climate-resilient hop varieties to safeguard the nation's brewing heritage.
New Varieties Show Promise
Dr Vladimir Nesvadba, the institute's top breeder, has developed drought-resistant cultivars such as Saaz Shine and Saaz Comfort. These varieties are already performing well on hop farms and in Czech breweries. 'I see a very bright future for Czech hops,' Nesvadba stated.
Global Impact of Saaz Hops
Approximately 80% of Czechia's Saaz hop yields are exported, with the US brewery BarrieHaus Beer Co in Tampa, Florida, relying on them for its award-winning Czech-style pilsner, Bublina. Brewmaster Jim Barrie noted, 'Saaz has a character that's difficult to truly replicate.'
Climate Challenges
Rising summer temperatures and declining rainfall have hit Saaz hops particularly hard. Only about 25% of Czech hop farms are irrigated, leaving them vulnerable. The stress reduces cone yield and alpha acid content, which provides bitterness. Lower acid levels force brewers to use more hops, altering flavour and creating consistency issues.
Barrie observed increased year-to-year variation in alpha acid and aroma, with the 2023 Saaz crop being the least appealing since his brewery opened. US imports of Czech hops halved after a severe drought in 2022.
Urgency in 2024
Czechia enters the hop-growing season during its driest spring since 1961. Dr Pavel Donner of the institute said, 'We don't know what's coming. The estimations can be made in June or July. Until then we just depend on the weather.'
Breeding Success
Nesvadba's work with home brewers has produced three Saaz-based varieties that thrive with less water and higher temperatures. At a recent event in Prague, his Saaz Shine lager was met with applause from craft-beer enthusiasts, highlighting excitement for innovation even in tradition-bound Czechia.
Expanding Hop Cultivation
Sardinian agronomist Federico Puddu, learning from Nesvadba, aims to breed native Sardinian hops for his hot, dry island. 'Heat and drought are becoming a problem for hops everywhere,' he said. These new varieties could expand hop agronomy to new regions.
Barrie welcomes the innovation, hoping new varieties match the appeal of classic Saaz. Yet Nesvadba insists, 'The new Saaz Shine and Comfort varieties will never replace the original Saaz. Saaz is our gold.'
