Saaz Hops: The Soul of the Bohemian Pilsner

Known in its homeland as Žatecký chmel, Saaz is the definitive “Noble Hop.” Named after the Czech town of Žatec (Saaz in German), it has been cultivated for over 700 years. It is the ingredient that defines the clean, elegant, and subtly spicy character of the world’s most famous lagers.

The Profile: Noble Elegance

Unlike the aggressive fruitiness of modern American hops, Saaz is celebrated for its restraint and sophistication.

Primary Aromas: Very delicate herbal, spicy, and floral notes. Think of fresh earth, mild black pepper, and summer flowers.
Secondary Notes: Subtle hints of tea and cedar wood.
Alpha Acids: Very low (2.0–5.0%). This reflects its status as a pure aroma hop; you need large quantities of Saaz to achieve moderate bitterness, which contributes to the “thick” hop flavor found in traditional Czech Pilsners.

The History: A Protected Legend

Saaz is one of the few hop varieties with a “Protected Designation of Origin” (PDO) in the EU. Its history is so rich that in the 18th century, the export of Saaz hop cuttings was a crime punishable by death, as the Bohemian crown sought to protect their brewing monopoly.

Brewing with Saaz

To use Saaz correctly is to respect the tradition of European lager brewing.

Late Additions: It is almost always used at the very end of the boil or in the whirlpool. It does not handle long boil times well, as its delicate oils are easily lost.
Polyphenols: Saaz is high in polyphenols, which contribute to a fuller mouthfeel and better foam stability—essential for that beautiful white head on a Pilsner.
Perfect Pairings: It is often used alone to showcase its purity, but it also pairs well with other noble types like Tettnanger or Hallertauer Mittelfrüh.
Styles: The absolute requirement for German and Czech Pilsner, Helles, and Belgian Witbier.

Characteristics at a Glance

Alpha Acids: 2.5% – 4.5%
Beta Acids: 4.0% – 6.0% (Higher than Alpha, unique for noble types)
Total Oils: 0.4 – 0.8 ml per 100g
Key Terpenes: Farnesene (10-20% of total oil), Humulene, Myrcene.

Saaz is a link to the past. While trends come and go, the timeless profile of Saaz remains the benchmark for balance and drinkability in the world of beer.