Ekuanot – 1kg T90 US

Ekuanot

Released in 2014 by the Hop Breeding Company (HBC) and formerly known as Equinox, Ekuanot® was renamed to reflect its vibrant and varied aromatic spectrum. It is one of the most chemically complex hops available, boasting a high oil content that delivers a multi-layered sensory experience. Its signature is a bright, zesty lime and lemon core, which is uniquely layered with tropical papaya, mango, and red berries. A defining characteristic of Ekuanot® is its distinctive herbal and green edge—often described as fresh green pepper or sage—which provides a savory depth that balances its intense fruitiness. Because of its high lupulin content, it is an essential tool for brewers looking to add “saturated” hop flavor to modern, high-gravity styles.

Key Benefits

1. Complex Aromatic Spectrum: Offers a unique “rainbow” of flavors from citrus and tropical fruit to herbal spice.
2. High Oil Content: Provides a dense, saturated hop character that survives well through fermentation.
3. Clean Bitterness: Despite high alpha levels, its low co-humulone content ensures a smooth, non-lingering finish.
4. Distinctive Savory Notes: The subtle green pepper/herbal note adds a sophisticated “dank” complexity.

Applications

1. Brewing: A staple for NEIPAs, West Coast IPAs, Saisons, and modern Pilsners.
2. Distilling: A premium botanical for gins seeking a complex citrus and herbal top note.
3. Cider Making: Adds a zesty lime and tropical fruit layer that complements sharp apple acidity.
4. Winemaking: Used in botanical infusions for white vermouths or aromatic aperitifs requiring a bold, citrusy lift.

Typical Usage

1. Aroma/Flavour: Traditionally added during the final 10–0 minutes of the boil or in the whirlpool.
2. Dry Hopping: 5–12g per litre. It is powerful as a single hop but is world-renowned for its synergy with Citra® and Mosaic®.
3. Bittering: Highly effective early in the boil for a stable and clean structural bitterness.

Technical Data

1. Alpha Acids: 13.0% – 15.5%
2. Beta Acids: 4.0% – 5.0%
3. Total Oil: 2.5 – 4.5 ml/100g (Extremely high)
4. Co-Humulone: 22% – 28% of alpha acids
5. Myrcene: 30% – 45% of total oil

Storage and Handling

Store in cold, dry conditions at temperatures between -1°C and 5°C. Ekuanot® has good storage stability, but its specific “green” and citrus esters are volatile. To protect its signature lime and papaya character, always keep in original vacuum-sealed, oxygen-barrier packaging.

Summary

The “chameleon” of Yakima; Ekuanot® provides a powerful, multi-dimensional aromatic profile of lime, papaya, and herbal spice that adds unrivaled depth to the boldest modern craft beverages.