Breeding/Development: Germany. Originating as the landrace variety in the Hersbruck Mountains of Franconia, significant acreage is now under Hersbrucker in Spalt and Hallertau as well.

Brewing Application: Aroma. Hersbrucker is traditional in the lightly-hopped lagers and ales of southern Germany and does excellent work in Munich-style pale and dark lager, Weissbier, Oktoberfest, and Bock. Its mellow spiciness is also at home in many Belgian ales or more hop-forward lagers like Pils.

Sensory: Floral and herbal - similar to Mittelfrüh, but with an added element of fruit and more dominant spice component; in a good crop year, Hersbrucker can be a bit more pungent than Mittelfrüh as well. Look for suggestions of dried green herbs, candied citrus, and tree fruit.