Unhulled
Unhulled is a term used in the brewing industry to describe beer that has not been filtered through a hops filter. This process, known as hops hulling, involves removing the outer hull of the hops cone, which contains bitter compounds. Unhulled beer, therefore, retains these bittering agents, resulting in a more pronounced hop flavor and aroma. This characteristic is particularly valued in styles such as American IPAs, where the hop bitterness is a key component of the beer's profile. The term "unhulled" is often used interchangeably with "hopped up" or "hopped to hell," reflecting the intense hop character these beers exhibit. The practice of brewing unhulled beer has gained popularity in recent years, driven by the growing appreciation for hop-forward beers among craft beer enthusiasts.