Hop Pellets Magnum

Magnum is the go-to clean bittering hop, a high-alpha German variety (also grown in the US) prized for smooth, neutral bitterness with almost no aroma of its own. It is the hop brewers reach for to bitter a beer without changing its character.

Best suited to

• Any style needing clean bittering
• Lager and pilsner
• IPA and pale ale bittering charge
• Belgian ales
• Wheat beer

Typical specs (vary by harvest, check the pack)

• Variety / origin: Magnum, Germany (also grown in the United States)
• Form: T-90 pellets
• Purpose: Bittering
• Alpha acid: typically 12-16%
• Beta acid: typically 4.5-6%
• Co-humulone: typically 21-25% of alpha
• Total oil: typically 1.5-2.5 mL/100g
• Character: clean, neutral, faint spice

When to choose this over alternatives

Reach for Magnum whenever you want bitterness without a flavour fingerprint. Where hops like Chinook or Pride of Ringwood add their own character to the bittering charge, Magnum stays clean and neutral, letting your aroma hops do all the talking. It is the smart bittering base under delicate noble hops like Saaz, Hallertau and Hersbrucker, and equally useful under a big tropical hazy so you can spend your Galaxy and Citra late where they count.

Practical notes

Magnum is almost always used as a single early bittering addition, typically at 60 minutes. Because the alpha is high, a small weight delivers a lot of clean bitterness, which makes it economical. There is little point using it late, as it brings very little aroma. It is a great pantry staple to keep alongside your aroma hops. Store cold and sealed, and use within 12 months of opening.

Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team - June 2026