If you’re a fan of bold, fruity beers, chances are you’ve already fallen under the spell of Citra hops. Known for its explosive tropical and citrus profile, Citra is one of the most celebrated and widely used hop varieties in modern brewing. In this instalment of our Hop Review Series, we explore the history of Citra hops, the beer styles it shines in, and the top UK craft beers using Citra in 2025.
The History of Citra Hops
Citra hops (HBC 394) were first bred in 1990 by Gene Probasco at John I. Haas, combining a unique lineage from Hallertau Mittelfrüh, US Tettnanger, Brewer’s Gold, East Kent Goldings, and wild American hops. After years of trialing, it was officially released in 2007 by the Hop Breeding Company in Yakima Valley, Washington.
The hop got its name in 2008 when Widmer Brothers used it in a World Beer Cup gold medal-winning brew. By 2009, just 98 acres were devoted to Citra—fast forward to today, and it dominates hop acreage in the U.S., loved by both large and small brewers worldwide.
What Does Citra Taste Like?
Citra is synonymous with bright citrus and lush tropical fruit aromas. Its high oil content and alpha acids (10–15%) make it a favourite for late hopping, dry hopping, and hazy beer styles.
Flavour Notes:
- Grapefruit
- Lime
- Mango
- Passion fruit
- Lychee
- Papaya
- Tropical flowers
This hop is perfect for beers that aim to showcase aromatic intensity without overwhelming bitterness.
Best Beer Styles for Citra
Citra is incredibly versatile, but it really shines in hop-forward styles. It works well on its own or blended with complementary varieties like Mosaic, Simcoe, or Amarillo.
Ideal beer styles include:
- IPA (especially West Coast and New England IPAs)
- Pale Ale
- Session IPAs
- Dry-hopped Sour Ales
- American Wheat Ales
- Juicy or Hazy Beers
Whether you’re brewing at home or ordering from your favourite craft taproom, if it says “Citra,” expect juicy magic.
Top UK Craft Beers Using Citra (2025 Edition)
The UK craft beer scene has embraced Citra with open arms. Here are some standout UK beers where this hop takes centre stage:
1. Oakham Ales – Citra Pale Ale (4.6%)
- The UK’s first 100% Citra-hopped beer (launched 2009)
- Still a fan favourite and GBBF Gold Medal winner
- Bright citrus and tropical hop character
- Review on the Unfilitered Citra coming soon.
2. Salt Beer Factory – Salt Serge (4.5%)
- A crisp, modern IPA packed with juicy tangerine and lime notes
- Highly sessionable and refreshing
3. Adnams – Ghost Ship (4.5%)
- A popular citrus pale ale featuring Citra for grapefruit and elderflower aroma
- Also available in low-alcohol versions
4. Brew By Numbers – 5 IPA (Citra + Mosaic)
- One of London’s original hazy IPA producers, now based in Yorkshire
- A juicy, aromatic showcase of Citra’s tropical flair
5. Arbor Ales – C-Bomb & Shangri-La
- C-Bomb is a straight-up Citra explosion
- Shangri-La adds complexity with layered dry hopping
6. Mighty Oak Brewing – Kings Citra Hop (4.2%)
- Golden ale bursting with stone fruit, citrus, and subtle bitterness
7. Stewart Brewing – Citra Blonde
- Light, floral, and citrusy—perfect for summer sipping
Citra is the rockstar of modern hops. With its intense citrus-tropical punch and flexibility across beer styles, it’s no wonder this variety continues to dominate brewery taplists and supermarket shelves alike.
Whether you’re a homebrewer looking to experiment or just want to try something zesty and flavourful, Citra hop beers are always a good idea.
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