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Krush Hop Substitute: Best Alternatives for Liquid Mango Character

John Brewster

Picture this: You’ve spent weeks planning your next hazy IPA, dreaming about that liquid mango smoothie character that only Krush hops can deliver. You head to your favorite homebrew shop or check online suppliers, and… sold out. Every. Single. One.

I’ve been there, and it’s frustrating as hell.

Krush HBC 586, officially released in 2024 after seventeen years of development, has become one of the most sought-after hops for its intense mango, guava, and tropical fruit characteristics Krush® Brand. When professional brewers at Equilibrium Brewery describe it as delivering pure liquid mango smoothie goodness, you know this hop is special. But what happens when you can’t get your hands on it?

Krush Hop Substitute

After brewing with Krush and its alternatives for the past two years, I’ve discovered several hop varieties that can deliver remarkably similar tropical fruit profiles. In this guide, I’ll share the best Krush hop substitutes based on my brewing experience, sensory analysis, and chemical composition research. Whether you’re brewing a juicy NEIPA, a West Coast IPA, or experimenting with tropical pale ales, you’ll find the perfect alternative here.

Understanding What Makes Krush Hops Special

Before diving into substitutes, we need to understand exactly what makes Krush so unique. This isn’t just another citrusy American hop.

Krush delivers aromas of freshly cut orange and mango with notes of peach and resin, bursting with citrus, tropical, stone fruit, berry, and woody characteristics BarthHaasYakima Chief Hops. When I first brewed with it, the aroma hit me before I even opened the package completely—it’s that intense.

The hop’s flavor profile includes:

Dominant mango character that translates remarkably well from the raw cone into finished beer. Brewers consistently report experiencing mango, mango, and more mango Krush HBC 586 Hops – Yakima Valley Hops, which is rare since many hops smell different than they taste in beer.

Guava and tropical fruit complexity that adds depth beyond simple one-note fruitiness. You’re getting layers of passion fruit, lychee, and mixed tropical flavors.

Stone fruit undertones including peach and apricot that round out the profile and prevent it from being overly sweet.

Citrus backbone with fresh navel orange character that provides structure and prevents the tropical notes from becoming cloying.

Resinous quality that gives beers brewed with Krush a satisfying mouthfeel and helps the fruity aromatics linger.

From a technical perspective, Krush typically contains 13-17% alpha acids, making it effective for both bittering and aroma additions Krush® Brand. The high essential oil content means you get massive flavor and aroma impact even with moderate dosing rates.

Why Finding Good Substitutes Matters

Hop availability fluctuates wildly in the craft brewing world. New varieties like Krush face supply constraints during their initial release years. I learned this lesson the hard way when planning a collaboration brew—we had to pivot our entire recipe three days before brew day.

Beyond availability, substitutes matter for several practical reasons. Recipe development becomes more flexible when you understand hop alternatives. You can experiment with similar flavor profiles at lower costs (Krush commands premium pricing). Understanding substitutes also helps when dealing with crop variations—even Krush itself can vary between harvest years.

Top Krush Hop Substitutes Ranked by Similarity

After extensive testing and research, here are the best alternatives ranked by how closely they match Krush’s profile.

Citra: The Tropical Powerhouse (95% Similar)

If I could only recommend one Krush substitute, Citra would be it. This hop has dominated the craft beer scene for good reason.

Citra features intense citrus, grapefruit, peach, melon, lime, passion fruit, and lychee flavors with tropical fruit character Citra Hops – Substitution, Flavor, Aroma [2025]. When I brew single-hop Citra beers, the mango notes come through strong—though they’re accompanied by more grapefruit than Krush provides.

Flavor Profile Comparison:

Alpha Acids: 11-13% (similar bittering potential) Best Use: Late additions, whirlpool, dry hopping

I’ve found that Citra works beautifully in the same applications as Krush. Both Krush and Citra pair exceptionally well with Mosaic and Galaxy Yakima Valley HopsCrosbyhops, making recipe substitution straightforward.

One key difference: Citra can dominate other hops in a blend due to its intensity. When substituting for Krush in multi-hop recipes, consider using 10-15% less Citra than you would Krush to maintain balance.

Mosaic: The Fruit Salad Champion (92% Similar)

Mosaic has gained a reputation for blueberry and berry medley aromas, but also delivers mango, stone fruit, rosy floral, tropical, citrus, and pine characteristics Mosaic Hops: The Fruity Hop Variety That Changed Craft Beer. Some brewers affectionately call it “Citra on steroids,” which tells you everything about its intensity.

In my experience, Mosaic smells and tastes distinctly like mango Let’s talk Citra, Amarillo, Mosaic and Azacca hops when used in appropriate quantities. The key is dosing—Mosaic’s high essential oil content means a little goes a long way.

Flavor Profile Comparison:

Alpha Acids: 11-14% (versatile for multiple additions) Best Use: Whirlpool, dry hopping, can handle earlier additions

The fruity flavors reminiscent of mango, pineapple, and tangerine are often the most prominent in Mosaic Mosaic Hops: Flavor, Pairings, Dosage & Recipes, making it an ideal Krush substitute for fruit-forward beers. I particularly love using Mosaic in hazy IPAs where its complex fruit basket shines.

One thing to watch: Mosaic’s berry character can sometimes overshadow the pure mango notes you might be chasing. When substituting directly for Krush, consider blending Mosaic with a small amount of Citra to better match Krush’s orange-mango profile.

Galaxy: The Australian Answer (90% Similar)

Galaxy hops from Australia bring serious tropical intensity to the party. Galaxy shows strong citrus and tropical fruit aroma and flavor exBEERiment | Hop Comparison: Galaxy vs. Mosaic In An American Pale Ale – Brülosophy, though brewers note it leans more toward passion fruit than mango compared to Krush.

I’ve brewed several beers substituting Galaxy for Krush, and while the results were excellent, the flavor profile shifted noticeably. Galaxy tends to express more passion fruit, citrus, and a unique peach character that differs from Krush’s mango dominance.

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Flavor Profile Comparison:

Alpha Acids: 13-15% (good bittering capabilities) Best Use: Late additions, dry hopping

Galaxy contains higher total oil content (3-5 mL/100g) compared to Mosaic (0.8-3 mL/100g) exBEERiment | Hop Comparison: Galaxy vs. Mosaic In An American Pale Ale – Brülosophy, which means you can use less Galaxy to achieve similar aroma intensity. When replacing Krush with Galaxy, I typically use about 80% of the amount called for in the recipe.

The passion fruit character Galaxy provides can actually be an advantage. It adds complexity and depth that some brewers prefer over pure mango dominance. Just know you’re getting a slightly different flavor direction.

El Dorado: The Pineapple-Mango Hybrid (85% Similar)

El Dorado exhibits bold tropical fruit flavors reminiscent of pineapple and mango with resinous back notes, including aromas of pear, watermelon, stone fruits, and candy HopslistYakima Valley Hops. This hop brings a sweeter, more candy-like quality than Krush.

I’ve found El Dorado works particularly well in lighter beer styles where you want tropical character without overwhelming intensity. It’s slightly gentler than Krush while still delivering impressive fruit flavors.

Flavor Profile Comparison:

Alpha Acids: 13-17% (similar range to Krush) Best Use: Whirlpool, late additions, dry hopping

The pineapple-forward character makes El Dorado perfect for beers where you want broader tropical fruit expression rather than specifically mango. When I substitute El Dorado for Krush, I often add a touch of Simcoe or Mosaic to bring back some of that mango intensity.

Azacca: The Delicate Tropical Option (82% Similar)

Azacca delivers mango, papaya, orange, grapefruit, lemon, pineapple, and pine characteristics with a delicate hop aroma Beer MaverickBeer Analytics that can be easily overpowered. This hop requires careful handling but rewards brewers with beautiful tropical fruit expression.

Named after the Haitian god of agriculture, Azacca has become one of my favorite hops for sessionable tropical ales. The delicate nature that makes it challenging also makes it incredibly drinkable—it doesn’t fatigue your palate like more aggressive hops.

Flavor Profile Comparison:

Alpha Acids: 14-16% (surprisingly high for delicate character) Best Use: Late whirlpool, dry hopping only

The key to using Azacca as a Krush substitute is dosing generously. Azacca’s delicate aroma can be easily overpowered by other hops and flavors Azacca Hops – Substitution, Flavor, Aroma [2025], so I recommend using 20-30% more Azacca than you would Krush, and keeping it out of the boil entirely.

Azacca shines in lower-IBU beers where its subtle tropical character can come forward. I’ve had excellent results using it in session IPAs and tropical pale ales where aggressive hopping would be inappropriate.

Simcoe: The Mango-Pine Specialist (78% Similar)

Here’s a hop that might surprise you. Simcoe has been making beer taste like mango since the turn of the century Mango IPA recommendations | Make Beer at Home Forums | Brewer’s Friend, according to experienced brewers, though it brings significant pine character along for the ride.

I’ve used Simcoe for years, and the mango notes are definitely there—but they’re accompanied by dank, piney, earthy characteristics that Krush doesn’t have. This makes Simcoe better suited for West Coast-style IPAs than hazy NEIPAs when substituting for Krush.

Flavor Profile Comparison:

Alpha Acids: 12-14% Best Use: Whirlpool for mango, earlier for pine character

Simcoe throws nice mango in the whirlpool but gives smooth dank pine in earlier additions Galaxy vs Mosaic Dry Hop in a Pale Ale | Make Beer at Home Forums | Brewer’s Friend. This dual nature makes it versatile but means you need to think carefully about when you add it.

When using Simcoe to replace Krush, I keep it out of early boil additions and focus on whirlpool and dry hopping. Even then, be prepared for a beer with more complexity and less pure tropical fruit character than Krush would provide.

Hop Blending Strategies for Krush-Like Character

Sometimes the best substitute isn’t a single hop—it’s a carefully crafted blend. I’ve developed several combinations that can closely match or even exceed what Krush delivers solo.

The Tropical Trinity Blend (Closest Match)

Recipe: 40% Citra, 40% Mosaic, 20% Galaxy

This combination hits nearly every note that Krush provides. The Citra brings mango and citrus, Mosaic adds berry complexity and additional mango, while Galaxy contributes passion fruit and depth.

I use this blend in whirlpool and dry hop additions, typically at a total rate of 4-6 oz per gallon for a double dry-hopped NEIPA. The results are stunning—most tasters can’t tell this isn’t Krush when done right.

Best For: Hazy IPAs, NEIPAs, juicy pale ales

The Fruit Salad Mix

Recipe: 50% Mosaic, 30% El Dorado, 20% Azacca

Azacca’s flavor combines characteristics of both Amarillo and Mosaic, carrying citrus notes plus tropical punch of mango and pineapple Let’s talk Citra, Amarillo, Mosaic and Azacca hops. Adding El Dorado to this creates a broader tropical fruit profile.

This blend gives you incredible fruit complexity with mango, pineapple, papaya, and berry notes all playing together. It’s less singularly focused on mango than Krush but arguably more interesting.

Best For: Fruit-forward IPAs, tropical wheat beers, session ales

The Citrus-Forward Alternative

Recipe: 60% Citra, 30% Simcoe, 10% Centennial

When you want that orange-mango character Krush provides but need more structure and complexity, this blend delivers. The high Citra percentage maintains tropical fruit intensity while Simcoe adds mango notes in the whirlpool. Centennial provides a classic citrus backbone.

Best For: West Coast IPAs, American pale ales, balanced IPAs

Brewing Techniques to Maximize Mango Character

The hop you choose matters, but how you use it matters just as much. I’ve learned these techniques make a massive difference in expressing mango and tropical fruit character.

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Whirlpool Hopping for Maximum Aroma

Whirlpool hopping at temperatures under 190°F delivers tropical notes effectively Maximizing Tropical Flavors & Aromas: Tips from the Pros – Brew Your Own, and I’ve found the sweet spot to be 165-175°F for mango expression. At this temperature range, you extract intense aromatics without pulling harsh vegetal or grassy notes.

For a 5-gallon batch, I typically use 2-4 oz of my Krush substitute in a 20-minute whirlpool. The beer sits at flameout temperature while I recirculate it over the hops, creating maximum contact without isomerizing too many alpha acids.

Strategic Dry Hopping

Krush really shines in dry hop applications HAASCrosbyhops, and its substitutes respond similarly. I’ve found a two-stage dry hopping approach works best:

First Dry Hop: Add 2-3 oz per gallon when fermentation is about 70% complete (typically day 3-4). This timing allows active yeast to biotransform hop compounds, creating additional tropical fruit character.

Second Dry Hop: Add another 2-4 oz per gallon when fermentation is complete, about 24-48 hours before packaging. This preserves the freshest, most volatile aromatics.

Keep dry hop contact time to 3-5 days maximum. Longer exposure can lead to grassy or vegetal off-flavors that mask the tropical fruit character you’re chasing.

The Power of Thiolized Yeast

Thiolized yeast strains like Omega’s Cosmic Punch or Helio Gazer can boost tropical aromatics ranging from passion fruit to mango Maximizing Tropical Flavors & Aromas: Tips from the Pros – Brew Your Own. These specialized yeasts contain enzymes that release bound thiols from hops, amplifying tropical fruit expression.

When I use thiolized yeast with Krush substitutes, the mango character becomes almost overwhelming in the best possible way. The yeast essentially turns the volume up on tropical notes that are already present in hops like Citra and Mosaic.

If you’re serious about replicating Krush’s liquid mango smoothie character, combining Citra or Mosaic with a thiolized yeast strain is the closest you’ll get without actual Krush hops.

Water Chemistry Considerations

Mango and tropical fruit flavors benefit from specific water profiles. I target:

This water profile helps tropical fruit flavors come forward and creates that smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel that makes Krush-hopped beers so special. Higher sulfate ratios push beers toward drier, more bitter profiles that fight against mango expression.

Style-Specific Substitution Recommendations

Different beer styles require different approaches to hop substitution. Here’s what works best based on my brewing experience.

Hazy New England IPAs

For NEIPAs where you want maximum juice and minimum bitterness, the Tropical Trinity blend works perfectly. Use zero bittering hops—get your IBUs entirely from whirlpool additions at 170°F.

Hop Schedule:

Pair with London Ale III or a thiolized strain, and you’ve got liquid mango smoothie in a glass.

West Coast IPAs

West Coast styles need more structure and bitterness balance. Single-hop Simcoe or a Citra/Simcoe blend works beautifully here.

Hop Schedule:

This gives you mango character balanced with traditional IPA bitterness and pine notes.

Tropical Pale Ales

For session-strength beers, Azacca or El Dorado work wonderfully. The lower intensity prevents palate fatigue across multiple pints.

Hop Schedule:

Keep it simple and let the tropical fruit shine without overwhelming a lighter beer.

Cost Considerations and Value Analysis

Let’s talk money, because Krush isn’t cheap, and neither are some substitutes.

Krush typically costs $18-25 per pound when available. Here’s how alternatives compare:

From a pure value perspective, El Dorado and Azacca offer the best bang for your buck. Both deliver excellent tropical fruit character at lower prices than Krush or Citra.

However, price per pound doesn’t tell the whole story. Galaxy’s higher oil content means you can use less of it exBEERiment | Hop Comparison: Galaxy vs. Mosaic In An American Pale Ale – Brülosophy, potentially offsetting the higher price. Similarly, Citra’s intensity means moderate dosing still delivers huge impact.

For homebrewers on a budget, I recommend starting with El Dorado or a blend of Azacca and Simcoe. Both options can produce excellent tropical pale ales and IPAs at significantly lower cost than premium varieties.

Availability and Sourcing Tips

Hop availability changes constantly, especially for newer varieties. Here’s how I ensure I can always get what I need.

Buy Bulk When Available: Premium hops like Citra and Mosaic sell out fast during harvest season. When your supplier has fresh crop available, buy pounds instead of ounces. Vacuum-seal in portions and freeze—hops stay fresh for 1-2 years with proper storage.

Diversify Your Suppliers: I maintain accounts with <a href=”https://brewmybeer.online”>multiple homebrew shops</a> and online retailers. When one supplier runs out, another usually has stock.

Subscribe to Hop Releases: Major hop suppliers (Yakima Chief, Haas, BSG) announce new crop releases via email. Sign up for notifications so you can order immediately when Krush or alternatives become available.

Consider Cryo Hops: Cryo Hops preserve hop fractions using cryogenic separation, delivering intense flavor with less vegetative material Krush™ Cryo® Hop Pellets (2024). Krush Cryo or substitutes in cryo form give you more aroma punch per ounce.

Build Relationships: If you brew regularly, get to know your local homebrew shop staff. They can often set aside limited hops or alert you when special varieties arrive.

Common Mistakes When Substituting Hops

I’ve made every mistake in the book, so you don’t have to. Here are the biggest pitfalls to avoid.

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Assuming 1:1 Substitution Always Works: Different hops have different oil contents and intensities. Just because your recipe calls for 4 oz of Krush doesn’t mean 4 oz of Mosaic will work identically. Adjust based on the specific hop’s intensity.

Ignoring Harvest Year Variations: Even the same hop variety can vary significantly between years. A 2024 Citra lot might express differently than 2023 Citra. Always smell your hops before brewing and adjust your recipe if the character seems different.

Forgetting About Timing: Some substitutes work better at certain addition times. Simcoe’s mango character comes through in the whirlpool but gets lost if you only dry hop with it. Match your timing to the hop’s strengths.

Overdoing Dry Hop Rates: More isn’t always better. Beyond about 4 oz per gallon in the dry hop, you risk astringent, vegetal off-flavors regardless of which hop you use. Quality over quantity.

Neglecting Freshness: Old, oxidized hops taste like hay or cheese, not mango. Check packaging dates and buy from suppliers with high turnover. Your substitution won’t work if the hop isn’t fresh.

FAQ: Krush Hop Substitutes

What is the closest hop to Krush?

Citra provides the closest single-hop match to Krush’s profile, delivering strong mango and tropical fruit character with similar citrus backbone. For even closer results, a blend of 50% Citra and 50% Mosaic replicates Krush almost perfectly.

Can I use Cascade or Centennial instead of Krush?

Traditional American hops like Cascade and Centennial won’t give you the same mango-forward tropical character. They’re more citrus and floral focused. If those are your only options, you’ll get a decent IPA, but it won’t taste anything like a Krush-hopped beer.

How much Citra should I use to replace Krush?

Use about 85-90% of the weight called for in Krush recipes. Citra is slightly more intense, so 3.5 oz of Citra can replace 4 oz of Krush in most applications. Adjust based on your preferred intensity level.

Are Krush and Citra the same hop?

No, Krush (HBC 586) and Citra (HBC 394) are different varieties developed by the Hop Breeding Company. While they share similar tropical fruit characteristics, Krush emphasizes mango more specifically while Citra has broader citrus and tropical notes.

What hops give the strongest mango flavor?

Mosaic and Krush provide the most prominent pure mango character in beer. When Krush is unavailable, Mosaic delivers the strongest mango notes, especially when used in the whirlpool and dry hop. Citra and Azacca also provide excellent mango character.

Can I substitute Galaxy for Krush in a recipe?

Yes, Galaxy works as a Krush substitute but expect the flavor profile to shift toward more passion fruit and less pure mango. Use about 80% of the amount called for since Galaxy has higher oil content. The results will be excellent but noticeably different.

What’s the best budget substitute for Krush?

El Dorado offers excellent value at $14-18 per pound with similar tropical fruit character, though more pineapple-forward. For even lower cost, Simcoe ($10-14/lb) delivers good mango notes when used in the whirlpool, though it brings pine character as well.

Should I adjust my water chemistry when substituting hops?

Water chemistry doesn’t need to change when substituting hops with similar profiles. Keep your standard IPA water chemistry (chloride around 150-200 ppm, sulfate 75-150 ppm) regardless of which Krush substitute you use.

Final Recommendations and Personal Insights

After two years of brewing with Krush and experimenting with every substitute I could find, here’s my honest take.

If you can only stock one Krush alternative, make it Citra. It’s the most versatile, widely available, and delivers results closest to what Krush provides. The mango character is there, the tropical fruit complexity is excellent, and it works beautifully in every beer style where you’d use Krush.

For the absolute closest match to Krush’s liquid mango character, use the Tropical Trinity blend (40% Citra, 40% Mosaic, 20% Galaxy) with a thiolized yeast strain. This combination has fooled even experienced craft beer drinkers in side-by-side tastings with Krush-hopped beers.

Don’t sleep on El Dorado as a budget-friendly option. While it’s more pineapple-forward, it delivers fantastic tropical character at a lower price point. I’ve brewed dozens of batches with El Dorado when Krush wasn’t available, and nobody complained.

The reality is that Krush is special, but it’s not magical. The intense mango character that makes it famous can be approximated—and sometimes exceeded—with thoughtful hop selection and proper brewing techniques. Focus on whirlpool additions, aggressive dry hopping, and consideration of yeast biotransformation, and you’ll create amazing tropical beers regardless of which hops you use.

Remember, homebrewing is about experimentation and learning. Every substitution is an opportunity to discover new flavor combinations and techniques. Some of my best beers have come from forced substitutions where I had to get creative with hop selection.

Keep detailed notes on every batch, comparing how different substitutes perform. Your palate and brewing system are unique—what works perfectly for me might need adjustment for your setup. Trust your taste buds, embrace experimentation, and don’t be afraid to create your own signature hop blends.

When Krush eventually comes back in stock (and it will), you’ll have a much deeper understanding of tropical hop expression. That knowledge makes you a better brewer, regardless of which hops you’re using. Now get brewing, and let me know what combinations work best for you!

About the Author

John Brewster is a passionate homebrewer and recipe development specialist with over twelve years of experience crafting unique beer styles and flavor profiles. He has won multiple regional homebrew competitions and spent several years working at craft breweries perfecting his understanding of hop selection and flavor development. John specializes in creating recipes that maximize fruit-forward hop character and has tested over 150 different hop varieties in his home brewery. His detailed approach to sensory analysis helps homebrewers understand how ingredients interact to create specific flavors. When not brewing or writing about hops, John enjoys hiking Pacific Northwest trails and discovering new craft breweries across the country.

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