Bullion (T90 Pellet) is one of the earliest high-alpha hops in the world, raised in England in 1919 from a wild Manitoban female crossed with an English hop. It delivers a bold, rich bittering character with distinctive blackcurrant and dark fruit notes that make it especially well-suited to stouts, porters, brown ales, and dark milds.
Alpha Acids: 6–9% | Beta Acids: 3–5%
Use as a 60-minute bittering addition. Pairs naturally with Dark Crystal Malt to amplify dark fruit character.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Bullion hops distinctive?
- Bullion has a unique blackcurrant and dark fruit character that sets it apart from most British bittering hops. This comes from its unusual genetic heritage — crossed from a wild Canadian hop — and makes it particularly valuable in dark beer styles where you want the bitterness to contribute flavour as well as balance.
- What beer styles suit Bullion?
- Bullion excels in stouts, porters, dark milds, brown ales, and any dark beer where blackcurrant and dark fruit character enhances the roasted malt profile. It was widely used in traditional British stouts and porters.
- Can Bullion be used as an aroma hop?
- Bullion is primarily a bittering hop, but small late additions (10–15g at flameout in a 23-litre batch) can add a subtle dark fruit note to porters and stouts. Use sparingly as the blackcurrant character can become overwhelming at higher rates.
- What grain bill works best with Bullion?
- Bullion pairs beautifully with Dark Crystal Malt, roasted barley, and chocolate malt. The dark fruit character of the hop complements the toffee, raisin, and roast notes of these malts, creating a rich, complex dark beer profile.
- How does Bullion compare to Fuggles?
- Both are traditional British hops, but Bullion has more alpha acids and a bolder, darker fruit character, while Fuggles is earthier and more herby. Bullion is better suited to dark beers; Fuggles works well across a wider range of British ale styles.