Citra

Explosive Tropical Fruit • Mango, Lime & Passionfruit • The Modern IPA Standard

Citra is the most sought-after aroma hop in modern craft brewing, prized for an explosive tropical fruit character unlike anything that came before it. Since its 2008 release it has become the defining flavor of the hazy IPA era, delivering saturated notes of mango, lime, passionfruit, and lychee that turn a simple recipe into something unmistakably juicy.

With alpha acids of 12%, Citra packs serious bittering potential, but its oils are far too valuable to spend on a 60-minute addition — this hop earns its reputation in the whirlpool and dry hop.

Flavor & Aroma Profile

• Ripe mango and tropical fruit
• Fresh lime and bright citrus
• Juicy passionfruit and lychee
• Light grapefruit pith
• Sweet, saturated fruit aroma

Modest late additions give pale ales a tropical lift; heavy whirlpool and dry hop charges create the dense, juice-like aroma that defines New England IPA.

Brewing Applications

Citra is a staple ingredient in many modern hop-forward styles, including:

• New England / Hazy IPA
• American IPA
• Pale Ale
• Double IPA
• Session IPA
• Hoppy Lager

It also pairs famously with Mosaic and Galaxy, forming the backbone of countless award-winning hazy hop bills.

Usage Recommendations

For a 5-gallon batch, save Citra for the final 10 minutes onward: 1–2 oz in the whirlpool below 180°F and 1–2 oz in the dry hop deliver maximum fruit with minimal harshness. Use a neutral bittering hop like Magnum or Warrior up front and let Citra own the finish.

For hazy styles, dry hop during active fermentation with a biotransformation-friendly yeast to unlock even more tropical depth.

Specifications

• Alpha Acid: 12%
• Flavor Notes: Mango, citrus, lime, passionfruit, lychee, tropical
• Typical Use: Aroma / dual-purpose
• Common Additions: Whirlpool, dry hop
• Substitutes: Mosaic, Galaxy
• Beer Styles: Hazy IPAs, American IPAs, pale ales, double IPAs

Whether you're crafting a juicy New England IPA or brightening a simple pale ale, Citra delivers the tropical intensity that defines modern hop-forward brewing.