Tettnang Hops – German Noble T90 Pellets
Tettnang, also known as Tettnanger, is a traditional German noble aroma hop valued for its delicate floral, spicy and herbal character. Its refined profile can also suggest mild pepper, black tea, sweet hay, wood and subtle earthy notes.
Originating from the Tettnang region near Lake Constance in southern Germany, this traditional landrace variety belongs to the Saaz group of hops. It provides soft bitterness and an elegant noble-hop aroma that complements clean lager fermentation, wheat-beer yeast character and traditional European malt.
Tettnang is best suited to traditional kettle hopping, including early, middle and late-boil additions. It is an excellent choice for German Pilsner, Munich Helles, Kölsch, Märzen, Bock and German Wheat Beer.
Specifications
- Hop variety: Tettnang Tettnanger
- Alternative names: Tettnanger, German Tettnang or Tettnang Tettnanger
- Format: T90 hop pellets
- Origin: Germany
- Purpose: Noble aroma hop
- Alpha acids: Approximately 2–5.5%
- Beta acids: Approximately 3–6.5%
- Cohumulone: Approximately 22–28% of alpha acids
- Total oils: Approximately 0.4–0.9 mL per 100g
- Heritage: Traditional German landrace from the Saaz group
- Primary characteristics: Floral, spicy, herbal and woody
- Common flavour impressions: Mild pepper, black tea, sweet hay, flowers and gentle earth
Recommended Beer Styles and Suggested IBU
| Beer style | Suggested IBU |
|---|---|
| Munich Helles | 16–22 IBU |
| German Pilsner | 22–40 IBU |
| Dortmunder Export | 23–30 IBU |
| Kölsch | 18–30 IBU |
| German Leichtbier | 15–28 IBU |
| Märzen or Oktoberfest | 18–24 IBU |
| Vienna Lager | 18–30 IBU |
| Munich Dunkel | 18–28 IBU |
| Schwarzbier | 20–35 IBU |
| Hefeweizen | 8–15 IBU |
| Dunkelweizen | 10–18 IBU |
| Helles Bock or Maibock | 23–35 IBU |
| Traditional Bock | 20–27 IBU |
| Altbier | 25–50 IBU |
| Belgian Blonde Ale | 15–30 IBU |
| Saison | 20–35 IBU |
The IBU figures indicate the suggested total bitterness for the finished beer. Calculate the required Tettnang quantity using the exact alpha-acid percentage printed on the packet and your brewing software.
How to Use Tettnang Hops
Bittering
Tettnang can be used for traditional bittering additions and provides soft, balanced bitterness. Its low alpha-acid content means a larger quantity may be required than when using a high-alpha bittering variety.
For a traditional all-Tettnang recipe, calculate the required quantity using the exact alpha-acid percentage printed on the packet. Alternatively, Magnum can provide clean early bitterness while Tettnang is reserved for flavour and aroma additions.
Middle and Late-Boil Additions
Tettnang performs particularly well in layered kettle additions. Middle-boil additions develop herbal, spicy and tea-like flavour, while additions during the final 5–15 minutes retain more of its delicate floral and noble-hop aroma.
Whirlpool Additions
A restrained whirlpool addition can enhance Tettnang’s floral, spicy and herbal qualities. Moderate temperatures and contact times help preserve its delicate character without making the hop aroma too prominent for a traditional lager or wheat beer.
Traditional Brewing Use
For German Pilsner, Helles, Kölsch, Märzen and Bock, Tettnang can be added several times throughout the boil. Layered additions create greater depth and better integration than relying on a single bittering or aroma addition.
Hop Pairings
Tettnang works exceptionally well by itself and also pairs well with:
- Magnum for efficient, clean bittering
- Hallertau Mittelfrüh for floral, herbal and spicy character
- Spalt for earthy spice and traditional noble aroma
- Saaz for spicy, herbal and floral notes
- Hersbrucker for delicate citrus, flowers and herbs
- Hallertau Tradition for earthy, grassy and herbal character
- Perle for mint, pine and mild spice
- Lublin for delicate spice, herbs and floral aroma
Possible Tettnang Hop Substitutes
No substitute perfectly recreates authentic German Tettnang. Depending on availability and beer style, suitable alternatives may include Spalt, Saaz, Lublin, Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Hallertau Tradition or Hersbrucker.
Spalt or Saaz are generally the closest choices for traditional European lagers. Hallertau Mittelfrüh is suitable when a softer floral and herbal character is preferred.
Storage
Tettnang is a delicate aroma hop that benefits from careful storage. Keep the 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 Tettnang hops taste like?
Tettnang hops have a delicate noble profile featuring floral, spicy, herbal and woody characteristics. They can also suggest mild pepper, black tea, sweet hay and gentle earthy notes.
Is Tettnang a noble hop?
Yes. German Tettnang is one of the traditional European noble hops and is valued for its refined aroma, low alpha-acid content and soft bitterness.
Are Tettnang and Tettnanger the same hop?
Tettnang and Tettnanger are commonly used to describe the traditional German landrace grown around Tettnang near Lake Constance. However, American-grown Tettnanger is genetically and aromatically different, so its country of origin should always be checked.
Can Tettnang hops be used for bittering?
Yes. Tettnang provides soft, traditional bitterness, although its low alpha-acid content means a larger quantity may be required. Some brewers use Magnum for early bittering and reserve Tettnang for later additions.
Are Tettnang hops suitable for dry hopping?
Tettnang can be dry hopped, but this is not its traditional or most common use. Its delicate noble character is generally best developed through layered kettle and restrained whirlpool additions.
What is the difference between Tettnang and Hallertau Mittelfrüh?
Both are traditional German noble hops. Tettnang generally presents more peppery spice, black tea and woody character, while Hallertau Mittelfrüh is often softer, more floral, herbal and gently citrus-like.
What beer styles suit Tettnang hops?
Tettnang is particularly well suited to German Pilsner, Munich Helles, Kölsch, Märzen, Vienna Lager, Munich Dunkel, Schwarzbier, Hefeweizen, Bock and Altbier.
When should Tettnang hops be added?
Use Tettnang early in the boil for soft bitterness, during the middle of the boil for herbal and spicy flavour, or late in the boil and whirlpool for its delicate floral aroma.