Press Release:
[Note: we caught this release dated early April but see references dating back to fall 2012. Just passing along, even if belated.]
(Yakima, WA) – Hops Direct, LLC and Puterbaugh Farms is excited to introduce a brand new and very unique hop of our very own. Over the past few years we have nurtured and developed a NEW hop variety “Belma™” exclusively grown here at Puterbaugh Farms.
History brings a new hop to town. In 1894, just northeast of Mabton, Washington was a small community named Belma.
At the time it adorned only a post office and one store, but changes to the community in 1909 moved the post office to Mabton. T.W. Howell, a Mabton realtor, was responsible for the name Belma, as it stems from his mother’s favorite song, Sweet Belle Mahone. The romantic lyrics describe a man’s journey aboard a sailing ship after the death of his lifelong lover and best friend. When Mrs. Howell sang this favorite tune, she combined Bell with the first syllable of Mahone, creating Belma and it forever stuck with T.W. Howell. Such a sentimental history to a name which suits our new hop perfectly; Fall in love with Belma just as we have here at Puterbaugh Farms.
Click here to purchase Belma: http://www.hopsdirect.com/leaf/
2012 BELMA CROP IS SOLD OUT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR INTEREST IN OUR NEW VARIETY! 2013 BELMA CROP AVAILABLE LATE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER AFTER HARVEST.
Belma Data:
Profile of hop oil volatiles in Belma dry leaf (determined using HS-SPME-GC-MS):
|
BELMA 2-399-303 |
|||
|
area |
%area |
||
|
FLORAL FRACTION |
β-pinene |
664922043 |
1,69 |
| β-myrcene |
26025229413 |
66,21 |
|
| 3-methylbutyl_2-methylpropanoate |
106644439 |
0,27 |
|
| 2-methylbutyl_2-methylpropanoate |
968235007 |
2,46 |
|
| β-phellandrene |
274861798 |
0,70 |
|
| limonene |
92078280 |
0,23 |
|
| cis-β-ocimene |
351304495 |
0,89 |
|
| methyl_6-methylheptanoate |
243664342 |
0,62 |
|
| terpinolene |
12863450 |
0,03 |
|
| linalool |
44136910 |
0,11 |
|
| perillen |
5226493 |
0,01 |
|
| 2-methylbutyl_2-methylbutanoate |
22732807 |
0,06 |
|
| 2-methylbutyl_3-methylbutanoate |
15950619 |
0,04 |
|
| methyl_octanoate |
175736311 |
0,45 |
|
| citral |
1338542 |
0,00 |
|
| nerol |
– |
– |
|
| geraniol |
13803522 |
0,04 |
|
| 2-undecanone |
120793736 |
0,31 |
|
| methyl_4-decenoate |
429301709 |
1,09 |
|
| methyl_geranate |
152637792 |
0,39 |
|
|
SESQUITERPENE FRACTION |
β-caryophyllene |
645130562 |
1,64 |
| α-bergamotene |
– |
– |
|
| α-humulene |
5411352485 |
13,77 |
|
| β-farnesene |
– |
– |
|
| α-selinene |
1225433776 |
3,12 |
|
| β-selinene |
2263767701 |
5,76 |
|
| caryophyllene_oxide |
11152842 |
0,03 |
|
| humulene_epoxide_I |
3673601 |
0,01 |
|
| humulene_epoxide_II |
23769758 |
0,06 |
|
| humulene_epoxide_III |
1238358 |
0,00 |
|
Remarks regarding the chemical-analytical characterization of the volatile hop oil-constituents:
- Floral fraction:
– The floral fraction consists mainly of β-myrcene. This compound covers about 88% of the floral fraction, and 66% of the total amount of hop oil compounds determined.
– Cv. Belma is relatively rich in esters (mainly 2-methylbutyl 2-methylpropanoate), which means that Belma has a fruity aroma.
- Potential markers in view of varietal discrimination between hop varieties:
– β-farnesene:
This compound can be considered as a good marker for hop varieties which are genetically related to cv. Saaz – together with the appearance of bergamotene. However, these compounds have a rather small sensorial impact. Farnesene and bergamotene were not detected in cv. Belma.
– α- en β-selinene:
Selinenes can also be used to group hop varieties; cv. Belma is relatively rich in these compounds.
- Parameters to evaluate hop quality:
The oxygenated sesquiterpenes caryophyllene oxide and humulene epoxides I, II and III are formed upon the oxidation of hops. These compounds are only detected in small amounts in cv. Belma, indicating a good quality.
Belma Facebook:
We have created a Facebook page just for Belma to encourage communication among fellow brewers while experimenting and getting their feet wet with the very new and exclusive hop variety. Our hop is that brewers will find this Belma Facebook page to be beneficial in sharing techniques, ideas, photos, and thoughts on Belma and their final product. Please add Belma Hop to your Facebook and see what the Belma buzz is all about!