Hallertau Mittelfrüh a.k.a. Hallertauer
The defining noble hop of Bavarian lager.
What it tastes like
Hallertau Mittelfrüh is one of the four classic Noble hops and the soul of Bavarian helles, pilsner, and Märzen. Soft floral, herbal, faintly spicy, almost no fruit. If a German lager tastes 'right' to you — clean, balanced, drinkable — you're tasting Hallertau.
Best in these styles
Tasting Tip
Hallertau is what makes German pilsner taste German rather than Czech. Compare a Bitburger to a Pilsner Urquell — Hallertau vs. Saaz, side by side.Beers showcasing Hallertau Mittelfrüh
- Helles, pilsner, MärzenMost Bavarian breweries
Substitutes & relatives
If you can't source Hallertau Mittelfrüh, these hops bring overlapping character.
For brewers — technical profile
Alpha Acid
3.5–5.5%
Beta Acid
3.5–5.5%
Total Oil
0.7–1.3 mL/100g
Oil composition
myrcene
20-28%
humulene
45-55%
caryophyllene
10-15%
farnesene
<1%
History
A landrace variety from the Hallertau region of Bavaria, documented in commercial brewing since at least the 8th century. Susceptibility to disease has reduced its acreage over the past century, but it remains the gold standard for noble character.