In this episode, we dive headfirst into the wonderfully nerdy world of hop breeding, sparked by our shared stash of Dolcita (formerly HBC 1019) pellets. What starts as a casual “shall we talk about this?” quickly turns into a full-on exploration of how new hop varieties are created—from experimental crosses and field trials to pilot brews and, eventually, commercial release. Along the way, we chat about why hop breeding matters more than ever, especially in the face of climate change, shifting beer trends, and the very real impact of brewery closures on the wider supply chain. Basically: hops are way more complicated (and fascinating) than they might seem.

We also get stuck into some experimental hopped beers, comparing notes on flavours, from delicate citrus and cantaloupe to coconut, peach rings, and tropical daiquiri vibes. As always, there’s a mix of proper brewing insight and our own reactions—plus a healthy dose of disbelief at hop farmers who can apparently hear when hops are ready to harvest (Tori is still not convinced, sorry). We dig into how flavour perception works, how suppliers choose and blend hops for consistency, and why the same hop can taste different year to year.

Finally, we shine a spotlight on Dolcita itself—its surprisingly quick development, unique flavour profile, and the science behind why it works so well in beer. From its “little sweetie” name origin to its high geraniol content and versatility in brewing, it’s a great example of what modern hop breeding is all about.

Whether you’re a beer geek, a casual drinker, or just here for the vibes, this episode is a love letter to hops, experimentation, and the people behind the scenes making your pint taste amazing. 🍻

Here is the beer analytics website Tori found:

https://www.beer-analytics.com/hops/dual-purpose/hbc-638/

The Beervana blog post about Dolcita:

https://www.beervanablog.com/beervana/2025/8/28/the-hop-that-earned-its-name-dolcita

Learn more about the HBC program and Dolcita here:

https://www.hopbreeding.com/

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Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com