Huell Melon – 1kg T90 (DE)

Huell Melon

Released in 2012 from the Hop Research Institute in Hüll, Huell Melon was bred to meet the craft industry’s demand for bold, fruit-forward aromatics within the German hop tradition. A daughter of Cascade, it moves away from traditional citrus and spice, offering a unique “summer fruit” profile. Expect dominant aromas of honeydew melon, sweet strawberry, and subtle apricot. Its low co-humulone content ensures a very soft and non-lingering bitterness. While it can provide a clean bittering base, it is most effectively used in late additions or dry hopping to preserve its delicate, sweet esters. It is a fantastic choice for brewers looking to add a juicy, fruit-punch character to lighter beer styles.

Key Benefits

1. Unique Fruit Profile: Delivers unmistakable notes of melon and strawberry not found in other varieties.
2. Refined Bitterness: Extremely low co-humulone levels for a clean, smooth finish.
3. Modern German Terroir: Combines European elegance with high-impact “New World” fruitiness.
4. Excellent Blender: Works beautifully with other Hüll varieties like Mandarina Bavaria and Hallertau Blanc.

Applications

1. Brewing: Ideal for Hefeweizens, Belgian Saisons, Summer Ales, fruity Lagers, and NEIPAs.
2. Distilling: A popular botanical for modern gins or hop-infused spirits requiring a sweet, fruity top note.
3. Cider Making: Enhances apple and pear ciders with a bright, “candy-fruit” complexity.
4. Winemaking: Used in botanical infusions for white vermouths or aromatic aperitifs.

Typical Usage

1. Aroma/Flavour: Added during the final 10–0 minutes of the boil or in the whirlpool.
2. Dry Hopping: 3–8g per litre to fully capture the volatile melon and strawberry esters.
3. Bittering: Can be used early in the boil for a soft, fruity bitterness, though it is primarily prized for its aroma.

Technical Data

1. Alpha Acids: 6.0% – 8.0%
2. Beta Acids: 6.0% – 8.0%
3. Total Oil: 0.8 – 1.5 ml/100g
4. Co-Humulone: 25% – 30% of alpha acids
5. Myrcene: 35% – 40% of total oil

Storage and Handling

Store in cold, dry conditions at temperatures between -1°C and 5°C. Huell Melon has moderate storage stability. It is essential to keep it in original vacuum-sealed, oxygen-barrier packaging to protect the highly volatile fruit oils from oxidation.

Summary

The definitive “fruit-bowl” hop of Germany; Huell Melon provides a sophisticated and juicy aromatic profile that elevates everything from traditional wheat beers to modern craft ales.