What are Citra Hops?

Citra is the hop that reshaped modern beer. Before it showed up in 2008, American hops leaned piney and floral. Then came Citra, loaded with grapefruit, lime, mango, and passionfruit. Within a few years, brewers couldn’t make enough of it. And drinkers started scanning menus just to find the name.

If you’ve ever had a hazy IPA, you’ve tasted Citra. It’s the defining hop of the style.

Where Citra Comes From

Citra was bred in the Yakima Valley and released to the public in 2008. It was different from the Cascades and Centennials that powered West Coast IPAs. Instead of one-note grapefruit, it stacked layers of citrus and tropical fruit. Brewers loved it because it was versatile. Consumers loved it because it was juicy.

Nearly two decades years later, it’s the most widely grown aroma hop in the U.S.

What Citra Tastes Like

The name doesn’t lie. Citra tastes like citrus, but it doesn’t stop there.

• Grapefruit and lime up front

• Mango and passionfruit underneath

• A little gooseberry and floral edge if you pay attention

That complexity is why it works in everything from single-hop IPAs to blends with Mosaic or Amarillo.

Why We Use It

At Kentucky Hop Water, we use Citra for the same reason breweries reach for it: it makes water taste alive. Packed with aroma compounds, it delivers fruit-forward character without sugar, juice, or alcohol. Paired with Amarillo, it strikes a balance between bright citrus and softer floral notes.

You can see exactly where Citra fits by checking out our Hop Flavor Wheel.

Beyond Beer

Citra isn’t just popular in breweries. It’s one of the few hops that makes sense to people outside of beer. Citrus and tropical fruit are familiar flavors. Even if you’ve never had an IPA, Citra feels approachable. That’s why it’s showing up in hop waters, hop teas, and other alcohol-free options.

Looking Ahead

Farmers keep planting more of it. Brewers keep using it. Drinkers keep asking for it. Citra isn’t a passing trend — it’s the hop that set the tone for what people now expect in a hoppy drink.

For us, it’s the anchor. Kentucky Hop Water started with Citra for a reason, and it’s not going anywhere. Citra is the hop that defined a generation of beer. It’s also proof that hops can carry a drink without alcohol or sugar.

Want to taste it for yourself? Shop Kentucky Hop Water.