MoreBeer! first tasted this experimental hop when we visited HopUnion in spring of 2012. Hopunion was using a MoreBeer! Brew Sculpture to make small batches of beers to test the newest and greatest experimental "X-Hops" that were coming out of the joint venture Hop Breeding Company. HBC 342 is a high alpha aroma variety selected for its pleasant aroma. It's aroma can be described as mild, pleasant, citrusy, and tropical, with some melon notes as well. Most are using this hop in Pale Ales and IPAs, but it would go well in stouts and browns also. (General AA%: 11-14%)