Hops in Beer Brewing: Super Pride
Published: October 8, 2025 at 3:45:08 PM UTC
Super Pride, an Australian hop variety (code SUP), is celebrated for its high alpha acids and clean bittering profile. Since the early 2000s, Australian brewers have widely adopted Super Pride for its industrial bittering capabilities. Craft and commercial brewers globally appreciate its subtle resinous and fruity aroma, adding depth when used in late additions or dry hopping.
As a dual-purpose hop, Super Pride efficiently contributes alpha-acid-driven bitterness while offering delicate aromatic notes. These enhance the flavors of pale ales, lagers, and hybrid recipes. Its reliability and predictable flavor make it a favorite among Australian hop varieties for brewers aiming for consistent results.
Key Takeaways
- Super Pride hops (SUP) are an Australian hop bred for strong bittering performance.
- The hop is classified as dual-purpose but is commonly used mainly for bittering.
- It offers high alpha acids with subtle resinous and fruity aromatics for late additions.
- Widely available from suppliers like Great Fermentations, Amazon, BeerCo, and Grain and Grape.
- Well suited to lagers, pale ales, and large-scale industrial brewing where cost and consistency matter.
Origin and breeding history of Super Pride hops
The journey of Super Pride hops began at the Rostrevor Breeding Garden in Victoria, Australia. Hop Products Australia's breeders aimed to enhance alpha acids and crop reliability for the market.
First bred in 1987, Super Pride hit the commercial scene in 1995. It carries the international code SUP in hop listings and catalogs.
As a Pride of Ringwood offspring, Super Pride inherited its robust bittering traits. Pride of Ringwood, in turn, comes from the Yeoman line, adding to Super Pride's bittering prowess.
Hop Products Australia spearheaded the breeding and evaluation at Rostrevor Breeding Garden. The focus was on yield, disease resistance, and consistent alpha-acid levels for local brewers.
- Breeding year: 1987 at Rostrevor Breeding Garden
- Commercial release: 1995
- Lineage: Pride of Ringwood offspring, descendant of Yeoman via Pride of Ringwood
- Catalog code: SUP
By the early 2000s, Super Pride had become a staple in Australian commercial brewing. Its consistent alpha-acid profile and stable agronomic performance made it a favorite among brewers.
Agronomic characteristics and cultivation of Super Pride hops
Super Pride hops come from Victoria, Australia, a key player in the Australian hop growing scene. They are mainly grown for local breweries and exported through established hop suppliers. The climate in Victoria is ideal for consistent growth and predictable harvest times.
The hop yield for Super Pride ranges from 2,310 to 3,200 kg per hectare, or 2,060 to 2,860 lbs per acre. These figures are based on commercial blocks and can vary by season. It's crucial for buyers to check the harvest year, as small weather or management changes can impact yield and chemistry.
Growers note that Super Pride has compact to medium cone sizes with good density. The hop cones have tight lupulin pockets and firm bracts, aiding in storability when dried and packed correctly. The harvest season typically falls within the Southern Hemisphere's usual window, with growth and trellis performance fitting standard commercial systems.
Disease resistance and susceptibility are mentioned in supplier summaries, but specific details are not publicly available. Field reports indicate manageable disease pressure with proper hygiene and spray programs. The ease of harvest is high, thanks to consistent cone formation and manageable bine vigor.
Commercial cultivation of Super Pride supports both domestic breweries and export markets. Growers aim to protect the hop cone characteristics and maintain yield. Small variations in agronomic performance can occur between harvest years, so it's important for packers and brewers to verify lot details before purchase.
Chemical composition and brewing values of Super Pride hops
Super Pride boasts an alpha-acid profile ideal for bittering. Its alpha-acid content ranges from 12.5% to 16.3%. Field averages hover around 14.4%, with some reports suggesting a narrower 13.5% to 15% range.
Beta acids, on the other hand, are lower, typically between 4.5% and 8%. The average beta acid content is approximately 6.3%. Another dataset places beta acids between 6.4% and 6.9%. This alpha-beta ratio, roughly 2:1 to 4:1, indicates a predominantly alpha-dominant hop.
Co-humulone, a component of alpha acids, varies significantly. It can range from 25% to 50%, with a common average of 37.5%. Some analyses suggest co-humulone is closer to 26.8% to 28%. This variation can impact the beer's bitterness and crispness.
Total oils, crucial for aroma and late-addition character, show seasonal and site-specific variations. One dataset reports total oils between 3 and 4 mL per 100 g, averaging 3.5 mL/100 g. Another source indicates a range of 2.1 to 2.6 mL/100 g. It's important to note that total oils can fluctuate annually.
- Oil breakdown (averages): myrcene ~38% — resinous, citrus, fruity notes.
- Humulene ~1.5% — woody, slightly spicy tones.
- Caryophyllene ~7% — peppery, woody accents.
- Farnesene ~0.5% — fresh, green, floral hints.
- Remaining components (β-pinene, linalool, geraniol, selinene) make up roughly 46–60% of the profile.
Super Pride's high alpha-acid content makes it effective for early boil bittering. Its moderate total oils mean it's less aromatic than dedicated late-addition hops. Yet, the oil mix still offers valuable late-hop character when used with purpose.
Grasping hop chemistry is key to balancing bittering with flavor. Monitoring Super Pride's alpha acids, beta acids, co-humulone, and total oils across batches aids in making informed decisions. This ensures consistent results in brewing.
Flavor and aroma profile of Super Pride hops
Super Pride aroma presents a subtle, inviting scent, perfect for balanced beers. Tasting notes reveal fruity and resinous hints. It's noted as a milder option compared to Pride of Ringwood, making it appealing to brewers.
The hop flavor of Super Pride is characterized by its delicate resin and fruit notes. This contrasts with the bold tropical or floral aromas found in other varieties. The resinous fruity hops tag captures its pine-like depth and light stone-fruit hints. This allows malt to remain the focal point in lagers and pale ales.
The sensory character of Super Pride remains consistent from whirlpool to dry hop. Late additions enhance the beer with a soft resin backbone and a gentle fruit aroma. This balance ensures the beer's overall character without overpowering it.
Tags like #resin, #fruity, and #mild in catalogs underscore its practical uses. Brewers often use Super Pride for bittering, while late additions add enough character to enhance the aroma. This makes it ideal for beers that require hop complexity without overshadowing the malt.
Primary brewing uses and purposes of Super Pride hops
Super Pride is classified as a dual-purpose hop, but it's mainly used for bittering. Its high alpha-acid content ensures consistent bitterness in large batches. This makes it a go-to choice for early boil additions.
Brewers value Super Pride for its cost-effective bitterness that lasts through fermentation. It's ideal for adding stable IBUs and balancing malt in pale ales, bitters, and some lagers. Use it at the 60-minute mark for predictable results.
Despite its bittering focus, Super Pride can also enhance late hop additions and whirlpool rests. Small amounts can add subtle resinous and fruity notes. This softens the hop profile and adds depth.
Dry hopping with Super Pride can introduce a subtle backbone and resin, best when blended with aromatic varieties. It's best used as a supporting late-hop choice, not as a primary aroma hop.
- Primary role: consistent bittering hop for commercial and craft brews.
- Secondary role: dual-purpose hop for restrained late hop additions.
- Practical tip: scale early additions for IBU targets; add small whirlpool amounts for complexity.
Suppliers do not offer Super Pride in cryo or lupulin powder forms from major processors. Whole-cone, pellet, or conventional extract are the practical formats for most brewers.
Beer styles that suit Super Pride hops
Super Pride excels in beers needing solid bitterness without the boldness of citrus or tropical flavors. In lagers, it provides clean, precise bitterness. It also adds a subtle resin or spice finish, allowing the malt to take center stage.
In IPAs, Super Pride acts as a backbone hop. It's best used for late kettle bittering or whirlpool additions. This supports brighter aroma hops like Citra or Mosaic while keeping the resinous character in check.
Pale ales and imperial pale ales benefit from Super Pride's firm bitterness and structural balance. It enhances mouthfeel and provides a dry finish. This highlights caramel or biscuit malts, rather than overpowering them with fruity esters.
Bock beers pair well with Super Pride because its modest aroma doesn't overshadow traditional malt and lager yeast flavors. Opt for tight hopping schedules to preserve the toasty or roasty malt notes typical of dunkel and traditional bock styles.
- Lager: primary role is clean bittering and subtle spice.
- Pale Ale / Imperial Pale Ale: backbone bittering with restrained resin support.
- IPA: use for structural bitterness while letting aroma hops dominate.
- Bock: complements malt-forward recipes without aggressive citrus.
Super Pride is ideal for recipes needing strong bittering but not aggressive tropical or citrus aroma. It's perfect for classic, malt-forward, or traditional-style beers. It helps brewers create balanced, drinkable results.
Alpha-acid driven recipe planning with Super Pride hops
When using Super Pride hops, plan your recipes around the 12.5–16.3% alpha-acid range. Always check the current lab AA% on the hop bag before brew day. This ensures you adjust quantities for any crop-year variation.
For small weights, use precise scales. High alpha acids require less hop mass to hit target IBUs. This approach reduces vegetal matter in the kettle, potentially improving wort clarity.
Consider hop utilization in your bittering calculations. Factors like shorter boils, higher wort gravity, and kettle geometry all impact utilization. Instead of relying on historical averages, plug in the measured AA% into your IBU planning spreadsheet.
- Measure AA% from the supplier certificate; update bittering calculations as needed.
- For high-gravity beers, reduce expected hop utilization and increase weight slightly to reach IBU targets.
- Use hop utilization models like Tinseth or Rager for consistent IBU planning across batches.
When judging bitterness character, consider co-humulone levels. Super Pride's moderate co-humulone can yield a firmer, more defined bitterness. This is crucial for long-aging beers, aligning with your sensory goals.
Late additions provide subtle aroma due to modest total oil levels. If you desire a stronger scent, increase late hop weight or blend with floral, citrus-forward varieties. Balance aroma goals against bittering calculations to avoid over-IBUing.
- Confirm AA% on the bag and enter it into your recipe tool.
- Adjust hop utilization assumptions for boil time and wort gravity.
- Calculate weight to reach target IBUs, then fine-tune for sensory goals.
- Document each batch's actual IBUs and tasting notes for future IBU planning.
On brew day, weigh precisely and keep records. Small changes in weight can lead to significant IBU swings with Super Pride. Accurate record keeping refines future Super Pride alpha-acid recipe planning and ensures reliable bittering calculations.
Substitutes and comparable hop varieties to Super Pride hops
Brewers often seek out Pride of Ringwood as a substitute for Super Pride. This variety, with its strong Australian bittering roots, fills the bittering role effectively. It, though, presents a more pronounced, higher-alpha profile.
When substituting hops, refer to this guide. Compare the alpha acids of both hops. If the alpha acid of Pride of Ringwood is higher, reduce its weight. This ensures the IBU remains consistent with the original recipe.
- Adjust bittering additions by percentage rather than volume.
- Lower late additions of Pride of Ringwood to avoid overpowering aroma.
- Blend small amounts of a mild aroma hop to soften harsh notes.
Other options include Australian bittering varieties and traditional U.K. bittering hops. These alternatives can replicate Super Pride's backbone without significantly altering the beer's balance.
Test the substitution in small batches before scaling up. Taste and density readings will help determine if further adjustments to the Pride of Ringwood replacement are needed.
Availability, suppliers, and purchasing Super Pride hops
Super Pride hops are listed under the code SUP in many catalogs. Retailers and hop databases provide links to supplier purchase pages. This allows brewers to check current stock levels.
Major outlets like Great Fermentations in the USA, Amazon in the USA, BeerCo in Australia, and Grain and Grape in Australia have listed Super Pride. Availability can vary by vendor and hop harvest year.
- Check lab sheets for alpha-acid percentage and oil data before you buy Super Pride hops.
- Confirm the hop harvest year to anticipate aroma and AA% shifts between crops.
- Ask Super Pride suppliers about pallet or bulk options if you need large amounts.
Pricing and measured AA% can change with each crop. Small-scale homebrewers can buy single ounces. Commercial brewers should request certificates of analysis from suppliers.
Most named suppliers ship nationally within their countries. International orders depend on vendor export policies and local import rules. Freight timing can affect freshness, so factor transit time into your purchase choices.
No major lupulin producers currently offer Super Pride in lupulin powder form. Brands such as Yakima Chief Cryo, LupuLN2, Haas Lupomax, and Hopsteiner have not listed a powdered Super Pride product.
For U.S.-based customers, compare hop retailers USA to find competitive pricing and shipping. Use supplier lab sheets and the listed hop harvest year to ensure the product meets recipe needs.
When planning purchases, confirm stock levels and ask Super Pride suppliers about vacuum-sealed packaging and cold-chain handling. This keeps aroma compounds stable and reduces oxidation risk during storage and transport.
Processing forms and the absence of lupulin powder for Super Pride
Super Pride pellet hops and whole cone forms are the standard options from US and international suppliers. Brewers choosing between cone and pellet should confirm the form at purchase. Pellets offer consistent dosing and storage convenience. Whole cones retain a fresher visual presence for dry hopping and small-batch handling.
Neither lupulin powder availability nor cryo hops Super Pride variants exist from major processors. Yakima Chief Hops (Cryo/LupuLN2), Barth-Haas (Lupomax), and Hopsteiner have not released a lupulin or cryo product made from Super Pride. This limits access to concentrated lupulin advantages for this variety.
Without lupulin powder or cryo hops Super Pride, brewers must adjust technique to reach similar aroma and resin impact. Use larger late additions, heavier dry-hop dosing, or multi-stage dry hopping to boost oil and resin contributions. Track utilization differences between pellets and cones and tweak timing to favor volatile oils.
Ordering notes for procurement are simple. Verify whether you receive Super Pride pellet hops or whole cones. Account for slightly different utilization rates in recipes and scale late additions when targeting bold aroma. Keep samples on hand to test extraction and aroma release under your process.
- Common forms: whole cone and pellet
- Lupulin powder availability: not offered for Super Pride
- Workarounds: increased late or dry-hop additions to mimic concentrated lupulin
Storage, handling, and best practices for hop quality
Proper storage of Super Pride hops begins with airtight, oxygen-barrier packaging. Use vacuum-sealed cones or pellets in foil bags to slow oxidation. Refrigeration or freezing protects alpha acids and delicate oils.
Before use, verify the harvest year and lab analysis from your supplier. Alpha-acid percentages and oil levels vary by season. This variation impacts bitterness and aroma, necessitating recipe adjustments when numbers differ from previous batches.
On brew day, careful hop handling is crucial for late additions. Weigh high-alpha hops like Super Pride precisely. Minimize time at room temperature and avoid unnecessary crushing to preserve hop freshness and volatile oils.
Small-scale brewers should freeze hops after purchase and use them within recommended windows for peak quality. When freezing hops, move them from freezer to brew area just before opening to limit exposure to warm air.
Commercial users require a strict cold-chain system to maintain consistency across lots. Bulk shipments and warehouse storage should be chilled, monitored, and rotated by harvest date. Good inventory practice reduces batch-to-batch variation.
- Store in foil, vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed bags.
- Keep hops refrigerated or frozen; protect from light.
- Refer to supplier lab sheets for AA% and oil composition.
- Handle late-addition hops quickly to retain aroma.
- For long-term storage, freeze hops and plan use windows.
Adopting these steps will help protect hop freshness and ensure predictable brewing outcomes. Consistent hop handling from storage to kettle preserves the character that Super Pride brings to beer.
Commercial use and historical adoption of Super Pride in brewing
After 2002, the demand for Super Pride in Australian breweries skyrocketed. This was due to the need for a consistent bittering hop for large-scale production. Carlton & United Breweries and Lion Nathan were among the first to adopt it. They valued its steady alpha-acid levels and reliable performance.
In the 2000s, Super Pride became a staple among Australian brewing hops. It was chosen for mainstream lagers and export pale lagers. Its role as an industrial bittering hop made it a cost-effective choice. It provided consistent bitterness without adding strong aroma.
Large-scale brewers preferred Super Pride for its batch-to-batch uniformity. It was ideal for mass-produced lagers, imperial pale ales, and restrained IPAs. These styles require measured bitterness rather than bold citrus or floral notes.
- Timeline: mainstream adoption from about 2002 onward.
- Industry role: reliable high-alpha bittering for commercial production.
- Style fit: lagers, imperial pales, pale ales and IPA applications needing subtle bittering.
Exporters and international retailers started offering Super Pride to markets in the United States and Europe. This wider availability made Australian brewing hops more accessible. It also made it easier for contract and regional breweries outside Australia to procure it.
As an industrial bittering hop, Super Pride supports efficient recipe scaling and cost control. Brewers often choose it for formulations where bitterness precision is crucial. It ensures stable alpha-acid contribution.
Analytical comparison: Super Pride hops versus Pride of Ringwood
Super Pride is a direct descendant of Pride of Ringwood. This explains the shared traits in bittering and alpha acid levels. The Australian hop comparison sheds light on their lineage and why brewers often pair them in recipes.
Pride of Ringwood boasts a stronger, more assertive bitterness and a bold resinous character. In contrast, Super Pride offers a milder bite with softer bitterness and a subtler aroma. It's ideal when brewers seek a more restrained flavor.
Both varieties are high-alpha bittering hops. It's crucial to adjust recipe additions based on current AA% rather than volume. This method ensures consistent bitterness across batches.
- Hop profile: Pride of Ringwood — robust, resinous, spicy.
- Hop profile: Super Pride — restrained resin, light citrus, gentle spice.
- Usage tip: Reduce Super Pride weight slightly if replacing Pride of Ringwood to match perceived intensity.
In comparing hops for bittering, start by matching target IBUs. Then, adjust late additions for aroma. Super Pride contributes less aromatic lift than Pride of Ringwood. This might necessitate additional aroma hops in hop-forward beers.
When substituting, Pride of Ringwood is the closest swap for Super Pride. Be mindful of its stronger character and higher perceived bitterness. Adjust formulations appropriately.
Practical recipe examples and brew day tips using Super Pride hops
When planning recipes, use the AA% from the supplier label. AA% ranges are typically 12.5–16.3% or 13.5–15%. This information helps in calculating IBUs, allowing for precise hop additions to achieve the desired bitterness.
For a clean lager, use Super Pride as the primary bittering hop. Add small late-boil hops to enhance subtle resin and citrus notes. This approach keeps the finish crisp while allowing malt character to shine.
In imperial pale ales or IPAs, use Super Pride early for a firm backbone. Layer late additions with Citra, Galaxy, or Mosaic to build aroma complexity. For hop-forward beers, boost late-boil or whirlpool quantities rather than increasing early additions.
- Use Super Pride for bock or pale ale backbone bittering with restrained late hops.
- For long-aged beers, account for mid-range co-humulone. Balance bitterness with a robust malt bill and extended conditioning to avoid harsh perception.
- No cryo or lupulin powder exists for Super Pride. If substituting cryo for aroma, reduce weight to match resin and oil intensity.
Before scaling a batch, verify current AA% and hop oil data on the bag or lab sheet. Crop variation affects weight needed for the same IBU. Do not rely solely on historical averages when finalizing hop amounts.
To emphasize aroma, increase late-boil or whirlpool additions or use a larger Super Pride dry hop load. Because total oil content can be moderate, heavier late additions bring out citrus and resin notes more effectively than early bittering alone.
- Calculate bittering from the lab AA% and set early additions for desired IBUs.
- Add late whirlpool or 5–10 minute hops for flavor lift.
- Use a targeted Super Pride dry hop schedule for 48–72 hours in fermenter to capture aroma without excessive vegetal character.
On brew day, weigh hops carefully and track each addition. Small errors matter more with a high-alpha variety. When reformulating a known recipe, recalculate each hop weight using the current AA% to keep bitterness and aroma balanced.
These practical steps make Super Pride recipes reliable across batches. Follow brew day tips Super Pride to manage bitterness and aroma, whether you aim for a clean lager, a bold IPA, or a balanced pale ale.
Conclusion
Super Pride summary: Super Pride is a reliable Australian bittering hop, bred from Pride of Ringwood. It boasts an alpha-acid range of 12.5–16.3%, making it ideal for bittering. It also adds mild resinous and fruity notes, allowing brewers to target IBUs precisely without overpowering aromas.
When selecting Super Pride hops, it's crucial to consider the current AA% from lab or supplier certificates. It's best used in lagers, pale ales, IPAs, and imperial pales. Here, its strong bittering and subtle aromatics are beneficial. It's a high-alpha hop, but it can also be used as a dual-purpose hop with careful late additions.
Super Pride is available from top suppliers in the United States and Australia, in whole-cone and pellet forms. Major lupulin powder producers do not offer cryoprocessed Super Pride. Thus, expect conventional pellet supply. Follow storage best practices to maintain hop quality. Confirm the harvest year and store hops cold and sealed to enhance hop performance.
Australian bittering hop conclusion: For brewers aiming for economical, consistent bittering with a touch of aroma, Super Pride is a wise choice. Its predictable alpha-acid contribution and restrained flavor profile make it perfect for recipe-driven brewing. Here, control and consistency are paramount.
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