Saaz is a revered noble hop, descended from the original centuries-old landrace variety cultivated in the Czech city of Žatec, from which its name is derived.
Renowned as a classic aroma hop, Saaz is primarily used in late boil additions and dry hopping. It is one of the oldest and most traditional hop varieties still in use today, celebrated for its earthy, herbal aroma and subtle spicy character. Due to its low alpha acid content, Saaz contributes a refined, delicate bitterness, making it ideal for nuanced, aroma-driven beers.

Noble hops like Saaz have a rich brewing heritage, with the term “noble” referring to European hop varieties that have been used in brewing for centuries—a designation that emerged in the 1980s to honor their legacy.

Saaz is especially well-suited to classic beer styles such as Pilsner, Lager, Wheat Beer, and Belgian Ale.

For brewers seeking suitable alternatives, the following hop varieties are often considered effective substitutes:

Saaz (CZ)
Polish Lublin
Sterling
Tettnang
Sorachi Ace