Admiral – 5kg T90 (UK) (our qty per kg)

Admiral

Developed at Wye College in Kent and released in 1996, Admiral was bred as a high-alpha successor to Northdown and Challenger. It was designed to provide the British brewing industry with a potent, homegrown bittering hop that could compete with high-alpha varieties from the US and Germany. While it is primarily utilized for its high alpha acid content to establish a firm IBU foundation, Admiral possesses a surprisingly pleasant aromatic profile. When used in late additions, it reveals a quintessential British character: bitter orange, dried citrus peel, and a distinct herbal spiciness. Because it has a relatively low co-humulone level for a high-alpha hop, the bitterness it imparts is smooth and integrated, making it ideal for high-gravity English styles that require structural balance without harshness.

Key Benefits

1. High Bittering Efficiency: One of the most potent hops grown in the UK, allowing for a reduced hop bill.
2. Smooth Bitterness: Low co-humulone levels ensure a high-quality, non-lingering bitter finish.
3. Classic British Character: Provides a subtle citrus and herbal backdrop that perfectly complements traditional English malts.
4. Reliable Foundation: Serves as the perfect “structural” hop for building complex, balanced ales.

Applications

1. Brewing: The foundational bittering hop for English IPAs, Extra Special Bitters (ESB), Imperial Stouts, and Barleywines.
2. Distilling: A solid choice for building the bittering structure of hop-infused spirits where a subtle citrus-herbal undertone is desired.
3. Cider Making: Used to provide a clean, structural bitterness that balances the sweetness and tannins of traditional cider apples.
4. Winemaking: Suitable for botanical vermouth bases requiring a firm bittering component with a hint of orange spice.

Typical Usage

1. Bittering: Added at the start of the boil (60 mins) to provide a powerful and clean bittering foundation.
2. Aroma/Flavour: Traditionally added 15–5 minutes before the end of the boil to impart subtle orange and herbal notes.
3. First Wort Hopping: Excellent for achieving an even smoother bitterness in traditional English ale styles.

Technical Data

1. Alpha Acids: 13.0% – 16.0%
2. Beta Acids: 4.0% – 6.0%
3. Total Oil: 1.0 – 1.7 ml/100g
4. Co-Humulone: 37% – 45% of alpha acids
5. Myrcene: 35% – 45% of total oil
6. Humulene: 23% – 26% of total oil

Storage and Handling

Store in cold, dry conditions at temperatures between -1°C and 5°C. Admiral has moderate storage stability. To protect its alpha acid potency and its subtle citrus aromatics, always keep in original vacuum-sealed, oxygen-barrier packaging.

Summary

The “heavyweight” of British hops; Admiral provides unrivaled bittering efficiency and a smooth, classic finish of orange and herbs, serving as the essential foundation for traditional high-gravity ales.