Mosaic Hops – T90 Pellets
Mosaic is a highly versatile American dual-purpose hop celebrated for its complex combination of tropical fruit, berry, citrus, floral and earthy characteristics. Its expressive aroma can suggest blueberry, mango, passionfruit, grapefruit and stone fruit, often supported by subtle pine, herbal and resinous notes.
Mosaic can be used throughout the brewing process. Earlier kettle additions provide clean, effective bitterness, while whirlpool and dry-hop additions produce its distinctive fruit-forward aroma. It performs particularly well in American Pale Ales, West Coast IPAs, hazy beers and modern hop-forward lagers.
Specifications
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Hop variety: Mosaic® HBC 369
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Format: T90 hop pellets
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Origin: United States
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Purpose: Dual-purpose
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Alpha acids: Approximately 11.5–14%
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Beta acids: Approximately 3.2–3.9%
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Total oils: Approximately 1.0–1.5 mL per 100g
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Parentage: Simcoe® and a Nugget-derived male
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Primary characteristics: Berry, tropical fruit, citrus, floral, earthy and pine
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Common flavour impressions: Blueberry, mango, passionfruit, grapefruit and stone fruit
Recommended Beer Styles and Usage Rates
| Beer style | Aroma or whirlpool addition | Dry-hop addition |
|---|---|---|
| Hop-forward Lager | 0.5–2 g/L | 1–2.5 g/L |
| West Coast Pilsner | 1–2.5 g/L | 1.5–3.5 g/L |
| Session Pale Ale | 1–2.5 g/L | 2–4 g/L |
| American Pale Ale | 2–4 g/L | 3–6 g/L |
| Hazy Pale Ale | 2.5–5 g/L | 4–8 g/L |
| American IPA | 2.5–5 g/L | 4–8 g/L |
| West Coast IPA | 2.5–5 g/L | 4–8 g/L |
| Hazy IPA or NEIPA | 3–6 g/L | 6–12 g/L |
| Double IPA | 4–7 g/L | 8–15 g/L |
| Black IPA | 2–4 g/L | 3–7 g/L |
The quantities above indicate the total hop amount used at each stage. Mosaic can make up the entire addition in a single-hop beer or approximately 25–50% of a hop blend. Adjust the rate to suit your recipe, brewing system and desired aroma intensity.
How to Use Mosaic Hops
Bittering
Mosaic’s relatively high alpha-acid content makes it suitable for bittering additions. Calculate the required quantity using the alpha-acid figure printed on your packet and the target bitterness of your recipe.
Late Kettle and Whirlpool
Add Mosaic during the final 10 minutes of the boil or in the whirlpool for concentrated berry, citrus and tropical-fruit character. Lower-temperature whirlpool additions can help retain more of its delicate fruit aroma.
Dry Hopping
Dry hop after active fermentation has slowed for a bright blueberry, mango, passionfruit and grapefruit aroma. Moderate rates create a balanced fruit character, while larger additions produce the saturated aroma expected in modern hazy IPAs.
Hop Pairings
Mosaic works well by itself and combines particularly well with:
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Citra for mango, lime and grapefruit
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Simcoe for grapefruit, pine and resin
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Amarillo for orange and floral character
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Centennial for lemon, grapefruit and resin
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Strata for passionfruit, strawberry and dank notes
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Galaxy for passionfruit, peach and citrus
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Nelson Sauvin for white-wine, gooseberry and tropical-fruit notes
Possible Mosaic Hop Substitutes
No hop provides an exact replacement for Mosaic’s distinctive berry and tropical-fruit profile. Depending on the recipe, suitable alternatives may include Citra, Simcoe, Strata, Idaho 7, El Dorado or Galaxy.
Storage
Store hop pellets sealed, cold and protected from oxygen and light. After opening, remove as much air as possible, reseal the packet and return it to refrigerated or frozen storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Mosaic hops taste like?
Mosaic hops are known for a complex mixture of blueberry, mango, passionfruit, grapefruit, stone fruit, floral, earthy and subtle pine characteristics. The exact balance depends on the recipe, crop conditions and when the hops are added.
Are Mosaic hops suitable for bittering?
Yes. Mosaic is a dual-purpose hop with sufficient alpha acids for efficient bittering. However, many brewers reserve it for late-boil, whirlpool and dry-hop additions to maximise its distinctive aroma.
Can Mosaic be used as a single hop?
Yes. Mosaic is an excellent choice for single-hop Pale Ales and IPAs because it can contribute bitterness, flavour and aroma. A single-hop recipe is also a useful way to explore its complex character.
What beer styles suit Mosaic hops?
Mosaic is particularly well suited to American Pale Ale, American IPA, West Coast IPA, Hazy IPA, Double IPA and hop-forward lager. It can also add an interesting fruit character to darker ales and modern sour beers.
When should Mosaic hops be added?
Use Mosaic early in the boil for bitterness, late in the boil for flavour, in the whirlpool for concentrated fruit character or as a dry hop for its strongest aroma. It can be used at several stages in the same recipe.
