Hop
Magnum
A clean, efficient German bittering hop that contributes bitterness without imposing much aroma of its own.
Also known as Hallertauer Magnum.
Magnum is the standard choice when a brewer wants bitterness and nothing else. Its neutrality is the point: it leaves the aroma decisions to whatever goes in later.
Aroma and flavour
Descriptors are impressions rather than analytical results. BeerHQ rates this characterisation as well established.
Belongs to
Analysis
| Alpha acid | 12–16% |
|---|---|
| Cohumulone | 21–29% |
| Purpose | bittering |
| Origin | Germany |
| Breeder | Hop Research Center Hüll |
| Released | 1980 |
| Storage stability | good |
How it is used
- Bittering (early boil). Added at or near the start of the boil, where long exposure isomerises alpha acids into bitterness and drives off aroma.
- First wort. Added to the kettle as it fills, before the boil. Associated with a rounder, smoother bitterness.
If you like Magnum
Hops with comparable character. Similarity and substitutability are different questions, so each entry says which it is: a hop can smell alike and still change the beer if its alpha acid is far off.
Dana 11–16% alpha
Shares noble spice, floral with Magnum; a bittering variety at a comparable alpha acid.
Not the same: brings herbal that Magnum does not.
Close enough in both aroma and alpha acid to swap in a recipe.
Herkules 12–17% alpha · editorial
A higher-alpha Hüll variety used for the same clean bittering role.
Not the same: brings citrus that Magnum does not; lacks the floral of Magnum.
Close enough in both aroma and alpha acid to swap in a recipe.
Ella 13–16% alpha
Shares noble spice, floral with Magnum; a dual-purpose variety at a comparable alpha acid.
Not the same: brings tropical fruit that Magnum does not.
Close enough in both aroma and alpha acid to swap in a recipe.
Bravo 14–17% alpha
Both lead with floral; a bittering variety at a comparable alpha acid.
Not the same: brings stone fruit and pine and resin that Magnum does not; lacks the noble spice of Magnum.
Comparable alpha acid, but a different aroma — a bittering substitute rather than a character one.
Green Bullet 11–14% alpha
Both lead with noble spice; a bittering variety at a comparable alpha acid.
Not the same: brings earth and wood that Magnum does not; lacks the floral of Magnum.
Comparable alpha acid, but a different aroma — a bittering substitute rather than a character one.
Straight substitutes
Close enough in both character and alpha acid to swap at a similar weight. Substitution is directional and imperfect — these are the nearest available options, not equivalents.