What are 'hops'?

What are 'hops'?

Jeff Evans (Freelance beer Writer) gives expert video advice on: What is 'beer'?; What is 'real ale'?; What is 'keg beer'? and more...

Hops are very useful in the brewing process. They come from a plant which is a relative of the nettle, and cannabis, a very fast growing plant. It's the flowers of the plant that are used. They add bitterness to a beer. They add other flavors to a beer as well. It can be spicy, peppery, herbal, or grassy flavors. And, more surprisingly, fruity flavors too. Some of the American hops, in particular, have very pungent citrus flavors.