Hop

Vic Secret

Vic Secret™ is a modern Australian dual-purpose hop known for its clean and bold expression of tropical fruits layered over a solid resinous backbone. Released by Hop Products Australia in 2013, it is genetically related to Topaz™ and shares its high alpha pedigree with a more expressive aromatic profile.

Aroma & Flavor Profile
Vic Secret displays a striking character defined by:

Tropical Fruit: Bright pineapple dominates the profile, complemented by notes of passionfruit, mango, and occasionally melon or papaya. These fruit-forward qualities become most apparent in dry hop and whirlpool additions.

Citrus: Secondary citrus elements such as grapefruit zest and lime provide a refreshing edge, enhancing its tropical sharpness.

Pine & Resin: A clean pine-resin bitterness supports the fruit layers, giving it structure without overwhelming the palate. When used in earlier boil additions, this resinous quality becomes more pronounced.

Herbal & Spice: Subtle earthy notes and traces of green herbs or ginger-like spice emerge with mid-to-late kettle use, adding complexity beneath the fruit-driven surface.

Brewing Considerations
Best Use: Vic Secret shines in late-boil, whirlpool, and dry hop applications where its vibrant aromatics are preserved. It is less expressive when boiled for long durations.

Beer Styles: Ideal for hop-forward styles such as Hazy IPAs, Pale Ales, India Pale Lagers, and modern Pilsners. It can also provide a unique tropical lift to dark beers like stouts or porters.

Pairings: Works well with other tropical or citrus-heavy hops such as Galaxy, Citra, Mosaic, Azacca, and El Dorado. For a contrast, it can be layered with more resinous or dank hops like Simcoe or Columbus.

Summary:
Vic Secret™ is a hop that delivers crisp, clean tropical aromas backed by a firm piney structure. Its strength lies in expressive late-hop additions, offering brewers a reliable way to achieve intense fruit character with refined bitterness. A standout choice for modern hop-forward beers where clarity and freshness are essential.

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