Bred with pharmaceutical research in mind, adopted by brewers for its bite. Vital is a high-alpha Czech hop — 11–15 % — for serious bitterness with a spicy, fruity edge.
Alpha 11–15 % · Beta 6–10 % · Early & mid-boil · Hoppy, spicy, fruity · T90 pellets · Crop 2025 · 100 g
What it does in your beer
Vital was bred in Žatec from Agnus lineage and registered in 2008, originally for pharmaceutical and biomedical use; variety data lists 0.7–1.0 % xanthohumol. In the brewhouse it's a bittering hop: 11–15 % alpha delivers IBU efficiently from the first addition.
A mid-boil charge adds hoppy, spicy and fruity flavour, and variety data also describes liquorice, plum and grapefruit. It's a solid choice whenever a beer should be properly bitter.
At a glance
| Variety | Vital |
| Pedigree | Agnus-derived, registered 2008 |
| Origin | Czech Republic |
| Crop year | 2025 |
| Form | T90 pellets |
| Pack size | 100 g |
| Alpha acids | 11.0–15.0 % |
| Beta acids | 6.0–10.0 % |
| Co-humulone | 21–26 % of alpha |
| Total oil | 1.5–2.5 ml/100 g |
| Oil breakdown | Myrcene 40–60 %, caryophyllene 5–8 %, humulene 2–5 %, farnesene 1–3 % |
| Xanthohumol | 0.7–1.0 % (variety typical) |
| Purpose | Bittering, dual-purpose capable |
| Aroma | Hoppy, spicy, fruity |
| Storage stability | Good (variety data) |
What 10 g does in 20 L
| Added at | IBU from 10 g in 20 L |
| 60 min | ≈15 |
| 30 min | ≈12 |
| 15 min | ≈7 |
| 5 min | ≈3 |
Approx., Tinseth formula, OG 1.050, mid alpha 13.0 %. Recalculate with the alpha on your pack.
How to use
- The bittering charge at the start of the boil is what it's for: 10 g for 60 minutes gives about 15 IBU in 20 L.
- Second addition, mid-boil: spicy, fruity hop flavour.
- Weigh carefully: at 11–15 % alpha a few grams move the IBU noticeably.
- Leave the late additions to an aroma hop such as Saaz or Sládek.
Pairs well with
Brewing a Czech-style lager? Bitter with Vital, add Sládek mid-boil and finish with Saaz (Žatecký poloraný červeňák), all on Czech Pilsner Malt.
Storage & shelf life
- Store it sealed, cold, dry and dark.
- Aim for −3 to 5 °C in a dry, odour-free spot, as T90 pellet specifications advise.
- Variety data rates its storage stability as good — reseal opened packs anyway.
Food information
- Name: Hop pellets, Vital
- Ingredients: hop pellets (Humulus lupulus)
- Allergens: none — hops are not among the 14 allergens listed in Annex II of EU Regulation 1169/2011
- Net quantity: 100 g
- Country of origin: Czech Republic
- Storage: sealed, cold, dry and dark
Good to know
- The alpha and beta figures are for the 2025 crop.
- 100 g of T90 pellets.
- Hops, malt and yeast ship from our partner warehouse in the Czech Republic, not together with your equipment.
FAQ
Is Vital an aroma hop?
Mainly bittering. Use it in the first and second additions; a mid-boil charge adds spicy, fruity notes.
How many IBU from 10 g?
About 15 IBU in 20 L at 60 minutes and 12 IBU at 30 minutes (approx., Tinseth, OG 1.050, mid alpha 13.0 %).
Why was Vital bred?
For pharmaceutical and biomedical purposes; variety data lists 0.7–1.0 % xanthohumol and 0.25–0.40 % DMX. In beer, its high alpha makes it a bittering hop.