Saaz

The Original Noble Hop • Delicate Spice & Herbs • Heart of the Czech Pilsner Saaz is the most famous noble hop in the world, grown around the Czech town of Žatec for over 700 years and prized for the delicate spicy, herbal, and floral character that defines authentic Czech Pilsner. Where modern hops shout, Saaz whispers — refined, elegant, and inseparable from the world's most imitated beer style. With alpha acids of 3.5%, Saaz is a true aroma hop: too gentle for efficient bittering in big beers, but perfectly suited to the generous late additions that give classic lagers their signature finesse. Flavor & Aroma Profile Delicate, refined spice Fresh herbal notes Soft floral aroma Mild earthy undertones Clean, gently bitter finish Modest additions lend a quiet noble elegance to any lager. Layered throughout the boil in the traditional Czech fashion, Saaz builds the rounded, spicy-floral depth that makes a true Bohemian Pilsner. Brewing ApplicationsSaaz is a staple ingredient in many classic European styles, including: Czech / Bohemian Pilsner Czech Pale Lager Belgian Pale Ale Saison Kölsch European Amber Lager It is also a traditional choice in Belgian ales and lambics, where its restraint lets yeast character lead. Usage RecommendationsFor a 5-gallon batch, the classic Czech schedule uses 2–4 oz in multiple additions — 60 minutes, 30 minutes, and the final 10 minutes — building bitterness and aroma from the same hop. Fewer, later additions give a lighter noble accent for hybrid styles. Pair Saaz with Pilsner malt and a clean lager yeast, then ferment cold — simplicity is the entire point of the style it built. Specifications Alpha Acid: 3.5% Flavor Notes: Spicy, herbal, floral, noble Typical Use: Aroma Common Additions: 60 min, 30 min, late boil Substitutes: Tettnang, Hallertau Mittelfrüh Beer Styles: Czech pilsners, pale lagers, Belgian ales, saisons Whether you're crafting an authentic Bohemian Pilsner or refining a delicate Belgian ale, Saaz delivers the timeless noble character that has defined great lagers for centuries.