Hops

The bitterness of beer is not in hop oil. It comes from the alpha acids, humulone and its relatives, which are not volatile and do not distil. The essential oil carries only the aromatic fraction of the hop cone.

01 · Origin

Humulus lupulus is a climbing perennial of the hemp family, Cannabaceae, native to Europe and western Asia. Only the female plant produces the cones used for distillation. This oil is distilled in Hungary from the flowering tops of conventionally grown plants.

02 · Chemistry

Myrcene leads and gives the fresh, green, resinous opening. Alpha-humulene, named for the plant, and beta-caryophyllene form the sesquiterpene body. Myrcene oxidises readily, so the oil changes character once opened; closed, cool storage matters more here than for most.

03 · In Practice

Green, herbaceous and spicy, with a dry, hay-like undertone. A middle note used sparingly in natural perfumery, where it adds a bitter green facet to fougère and chypre structures. Diffusion and massage blends at low concentration. Blends with lavender, clary sage, valerian, bergamot, pine, nutmeg and cedarwood.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.