Pride of Ringwood Hops – T90 Pellets
Pride of Ringwood is a classic Australian bittering hop known for producing firm, clean bitterness with distinctive herbal, woody, earthy and subtle citrus characteristics. It has played an important role in Australian brewing and remains strongly associated with traditional Australian lagers, sparkling ales and pale ales.
Although primarily selected for bittering, restrained late-kettle additions can contribute cedar, spice, herbs and light fruit character. Pride of Ringwood is ideal for brewers recreating classic Australian beer styles or seeking an efficient bittering hop with a distinctly Australian heritage.
Specifications
- Hop variety: Pride of Ringwood
- Format: T90 hop pellets
- Origin: Australia
- Purpose: Primarily bittering
- Alpha acids: Approximately 9%
- Typical alpha-acid range: Approximately 7–10%
- Beta acids: Approximately 4–6%
- Total oils: Approximately 1–2 mL per 100g
- Parentage: Bred from the English Pride of Kent variety
- Primary characteristics: Herbal, woody, earthy, cedar and subtle citrus
- Bitterness character: Firm, clean and lingering
Recommended Beer Styles and Usage Rates
| Beer style | Suggested IBU | Aroma or late addition | Dry-hop addition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Lager | 18–28 IBU | 0.25–0.75 g/L | 0–0.5 g/L |
| Australian Pale Lager | 20–30 IBU | 0.25–1 g/L | 0–0.75 g/L |
| Australian Sparkling Ale | 25–40 IBU | 0.5–1.5 g/L | 0.5–1.5 g/L |
| Australian Pale Ale | 25–40 IBU | 0.5–1.5 g/L | 0.5–2 g/L |
| Australian Bitter | 25–40 IBU | 0.5–1.5 g/L | 0–1 g/L |
| Golden Ale | 18–30 IBU | 0.5–1.5 g/L | 0.5–1.5 g/L |
| Amber Ale | 25–40 IBU | 0.5–1.5 g/L | 0–1.5 g/L |
| Australian Strong Ale | 30–50 IBU | 0.5–1.5 g/L | 0–1.5 g/L |
| Porter | 25–40 IBU | 0.25–1 g/L | 0–0.5 g/L |
| Stout | 30–50 IBU | 0.25–1 g/L | 0–0.5 g/L |
The aroma and dry-hop quantities indicate the total Pride of Ringwood used at each stage. This variety is traditionally used for bittering, so late and dry-hop additions should generally remain restrained. Adjust the rate according to your recipe, brewing system and preferred hop intensity.
How to Use Pride of Ringwood Hops
Bittering
Add Pride of Ringwood near the beginning of the boil for efficient bitterness and a characterful, dry finish. Calculate the required quantity using the alpha-acid figure printed on your packet and your recipe’s target IBU.
Late Kettle Additions
Add during the final 5–15 minutes of the boil for subtle herbal, woody, spicy and citrus character. Moderate additions suit Australian sparkling ales, pale ales and heritage-style lagers.
Whirlpool
Small whirlpool additions can contribute earthy, cedar-like and herbal notes. Pride of Ringwood is generally more assertive than modern fruit-forward aroma hops, so begin with a conservative rate.
Dry Hopping
Pride of Ringwood is not commonly used as a primary dry hop. Small additions can provide rustic herbal, woody and lightly fruity character in traditional Australian ales. For a brighter aroma, combine it with a complementary Australian or New Zealand variety.
Hop Pairings
Pride of Ringwood works particularly well with:
- Galaxy for passionfruit and citrus
- Vic Secret for pineapple, pine and herbs
- Eclipse for mandarin and citrus
- Ella for floral, spicy and subtle fruit character
- Australian Cascade for grapefruit and floral notes
- Cluster for earthy, floral and blackcurrant character
- East Kent Golding for earthy, floral and gentle spice
- Hallertau Mittelfrüh for delicate floral, herbal and spicy notes
Possible Pride of Ringwood Hop Substitutes
No substitute precisely reproduces Pride of Ringwood’s traditional Australian character. Depending on the recipe, suitable alternatives may include Super Pride, Cluster, Northern Brewer, Galena, Centennial or Pacific Gem.
When substituting for bittering, adjust the quantity according to the alpha-acid percentage printed on the replacement hop packet.
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 Pride of Ringwood hops taste like?
Pride of Ringwood can contribute herbal, woody, earthy, cedar, spice and subtle citrus characteristics. Early-boil additions primarily provide bitterness, while later additions reveal more of its distinctive flavour.
Are Pride of Ringwood hops suitable for bittering?
Yes. Pride of Ringwood was developed as an efficient bittering hop and remains particularly well suited to Australian lagers, sparkling ales, pale ales, bitters and other traditional beer styles.
Can Pride of Ringwood be used for aroma?
Yes, although it is primarily a bittering variety. Restrained late-kettle or whirlpool additions can provide herbal, woody, spicy and lightly citrusy characteristics.
Can Pride of Ringwood be dry hopped?
It can be dry hopped, but this is not its traditional use. A small addition may add rustic herbal, cedar and earthy notes. Modern Australian aroma hops may be blended with it for a brighter fruit character.
What beer styles suit Pride of Ringwood hops?
Pride of Ringwood is particularly suitable for Australian Lager, Australian Sparkling Ale, Australian Pale Ale, Australian Bitter, Golden Ale, Amber Ale, Porter and Stout.
When should Pride of Ringwood hops be added?
Use Pride of Ringwood at the beginning of the boil for bitterness, during the final 5–15 minutes for flavour, or sparingly in the whirlpool or fermenter for additional aroma.
Why Buy Pride of Ringwood Hops from Border Brewing Supplies?
Border Brewing Supplies provides quality T90 hop pellets for home brewers throughout Australia. Shop online for delivery or use Click & Collect from our Tweed Heads South home brew shop, conveniently located for customers across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Queensland–New South Wales border region.
