saaz

Saaz, also known as Žatec, is a variety of hops (Humulus lupulus) used in brewing. It originates from the Saaz region around the town of Žatec in Bohemia, now the Czech Republic, and is considered one of the traditional noble hop varieties, alongside Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnanger, and Spalter.

Chemically, Saaz is renowned for its delicate, earthy-herbal aroma with light spicy and floral notes. Its alpha acid content is relatively low compared with more bitter hop varieties, typically yielding gentle bitterness when used in the kettle; its essential oil profile, including myrcene, linalool, and geraniol, contributes much of its characteristic aroma. Because of its aroma potential, Saaz is often used as a late-boil addition or in dry hopping to maximize aroma rather than bitterness.

Usage and significance: Saaz is a defining hop in classic Bohemian pilsners and many pale lagers; it is widely cultivated in the Czech Republic, particularly in the Žatec region, and is exported globally for brewing. In beer labeling, "Saaz" or "Saazer" is used; the variety remains closely associated with Czech and German brewing traditions, and is a staple in many modern beers seeking a mild, noble-hop character.