What is hop bursting?

Hop bursting is a specific brewing technique that focuses on maximizing hop aroma and flavor by adding a significant quantity of hops towards the end of the brewing process, particularly in the last 15 minutes before knockout. This approach allows volatile essential oils found in the hops to remain intact, as they are less likely to evaporate compared to hops added at the beginning of the boil.

While adding hops throughout the entire boil can impart bitterness and some aroma, the primary goal of hop bursting is to achieve a robust hop profile without the intense bitterness often associated with prolonged boiling. Adding hops during fermentation, while beneficial for certain styles such as New England IPAs, does not align with the traditional definition of hop bursting. Finally, high-temperature additions can enhance aroma, but hop bursting specifically emphasizes late kettle additions rather than fermentation or high-temperature considerations. This technique has become popular among brewers looking to innovate and create hop-forward beers with vibrant flavors.