Hops provide a masterclass in the art of deception. The green, conical flowers of the female hops plant may all look the same to the untrained eye. Yet more than 250 varieties have been scientifically categorized, each strain carrying its own level of alpha acid, beta acid, and essential oil. During brewing, these deliver distinctive bitterness and balance. Skilled brewers yield these differences to their advantage, using certain strains to craft beers with distinctive structure and flavor. G...
