Hops and cannabis are close relatives, belonging to the same family, Cannabaceae, and their relationship is in the aromatic terpenes. These compounds are the true actors of the show as far as a brewer is concerned, and can contribute to the nose and flavor of beer, whether it be the citrus pop of a dry-hopped IPA or the sticky backbone that is a double pale ale. Variations in brewing technique, such as kettle additions, whirlpool hopping, or dry-hopping-have a large influence on the amount of such volatile material retained or lost.
Cannabis faces the same challenge on its side of the industry, but here the focus is on what it means for brewing. For homebrewers, a deeper understanding of terpene extraction can lead to smarter recipe design. For craft brewers, it opens the door to experimenting with innovative hop products. And for suppliers, this knowledge is key to creating more advanced hop extracts that meet the demand for complexity and balance in modern beer.
First: What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds. They’re found in almost all plants. What are they responsible for? Plants’ unique:
- Aromas.
- Flavors.
- Colors.
They play a vital role in plant biology by attracting pollinators or deterring nasty predators. And terpenes are widely used across industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. And (recently) brewing!
Terpenes in Cannabis
Terpenes contribute to the distinctive smells and tastes of cannabis plant strains. More than just flavor enhancers (for such things as an easy cannabis coconut oil recipe), they may also interact with cannabinoids to influence medicinal effects.
Key points about cannabis terpenes?
- Examples include myrcene, limonene, pinene, and linalool. (Strains high in pinene might have pine-like notes. And limonene can add citrusy hints.)
- Some may help reduce stress or inflammation.
Terpene profiles make every cannabis variety unique.
Terpenes in Hops
Hops, the cornerstone of beer’s bitterness, are rich in terpenes. They define the aroma profile (based on the hop variety used during the brewing processes).
Here are some details about hop terpenes:
- Predominant ones include humulene (which conjures up spicy/earthy tones).
- Other contributing compounds add floral or fruity undertones (which, as we all know, are a favorite among many beer drinkers!).
- Hop-derived terpene levels significantly impact craft beers’ character.
Shared family ties between hops and cannabis give both similar chemical compositions!
So, Do Hops and Cannabis Terpenes Extract in the Same Way?
Extraction is the process of isolating specific compounds from plants (but you know that, right?). For terpenes, this involves separating aromatic molecules whilst preserving their potency and profile. Methods vary. They depend on the plant’s structure and the desired end-use application.
Shared Extraction Methods for Hops and Cannabis Terpenes
Hops and cannabis share similarities in how their terpenes are extracted.
Common extraction techniques include:
- Steam Distillation. This is a widely used process where steam extracts volatile oils (terpenes) from plant material without degrading them.
- Solvent Extraction. Solvents like ethanol dissolve terpene-rich compounds, followed by purification to isolate desired elements.
- Supercritical CO2 Extraction. This is an advanced method. It uses carbon dioxide under controlled pressure/temperature to separate terpenes.
These shared processes make it possible to capture the distinctive aromas of both hops and cannabis. But wait a minute… as you’ll see next, cannabis often demands additional steps due to its complexity!
Unique Steps in Cannabis Terpene Extraction
Whilst hops and cannabis share basic extraction techniques, cannabis requires extra steps to activate its aromatic compounds.
One critical process is decarboxylation. It involves heating plant material:
- This converts THCA (which is non-intoxicating) into THC, releasing activated terpenes in the process.
- Decarboxylation enhances the aroma potency.
Additionally, cannabis terpenes are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations compared to hops. Key differences? They include these:
- Cannabis extracts often undergo additional filtration. Why? It’s for purity, due to resinous properties.
- Advanced equipment may be required for the delicate handling of cannabinoids.
Comparing the Complexity of Flavor Profiles
Hops and cannabis are both sources of aromatic terpenes, but cannabis has a wider variety of tastes. With the brewers, the lesson is not to adopt cannabis, but to appreciate the role of terpene diversity in terms of aroma and flavor expression in beer. Experimental homebrewers who have tried late hopping/dry hopping are already aware of the effect that varying hops can have on transforming a recipe from citrus-heavy to piney or tropical.
On a greater scale, larger-scale professional breweries and vendors are working on hop extracts and more advanced processing techniques to preserve these sensitive compounds, allowing brewers much more quality control on flavors. The growing knowledge of terpenes continues to give momentum and imagination on a brewing scale, both at a domestic scale and on a large scale.
Cannabis terpenes can feature:
- Earthy tones (myrcene).
- Pine-like hints (pinene).
- Fruity notes (limonene).
In contrast, hop terpenes predominantly emphasize bitterness with resinous or spicy undertones (due to high levels of humulene and its oxidized compounds).
Key contrasts? They include these:
- Cannabis produces skunky or sweet aromas that are rare in hops.
- The interplay between cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis adds layers of depth not found in hop extracts.
Brewing: Combining Hop and Cannabis Terpenes
Blending hop and cannabis terpenes offers riveting possibilities for creating one-of-a-kind beer flavors. (Ooh, yes!). As mentioned, both plants share some overlapping terpene profiles. Therefore, it’s possible to complement or enhance traditional hop-driven aromas with cannabis’s more diverse compounds.
For brewers, this could mean experimenting with:
- Adding earthy, piney notes from cannabis terpenes to better balance fruity or floral hops.
- Using citrus-heavy strains of cannabis alongside tropical hops.
- Exploring skunky undertones from cannabis terpenes for edgier craft beer
However, challenges include maintaining the right balance; overpowering bitterness or overly complex aromas should usually be avoided.
Next Steps in Brewing
Hops and cannabis share similarities in terpene extraction, as we’ve seen. But they differ in complexity and application. Knowing such processes brings out the potential of innovation in brewing. In homebrewing, such information can influence a brewer to factor in how to incorporate hops during the boil, whirlpool, or dry hop to preserve or emphasize specific aromatics.
The advanced dynamics are also being researched by professional brewers and suppliers as an effort to hone consistency and expand on the flavor palette via advanced techniques of hop growth and extraction. Discovering real botanicals is part of this journey, as tradition is not ignored, classic hopping regimes are still the key to many favorite styles. At the same time, the exclusive chemistry of hops brings new flavors into the halls and opens new possibilities in the development of recipes.
