Sabro Pellet Hops

For many years, Sabro™ brand HBC 438 was unofficially known as “Ron Mexico,” a nickname tied to its native U.S. neomexicanus hop heritage. Once notoriously difficult to source, this variety developed an intense cult following within the brewing community—so much so that the recent surge of available neomexicanus hop varieties can be traced back to the popularity of HBC 438. Sabro stands out for its remarkable complexity, delivering bold fruity and citrus character with pronounced notes of tangerine, coconut, tropical fruit, and stone fruit, layered with subtle hints of cedar, mint, and cream. Its lineage comes from a unique cross-pollination involving a female neomexicanus hop, resulting in a robust, highly expressive hop that translates its flavor exceptionally well into finished beer.

The hop gained legendary status after Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing Company used it in an experimental beer brewed for the National Homebrewers Conference, where it was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Even today, Vinnie continues to praise the hop and happily shares the story behind the “Ron Mexico” nickname. Sabro is an outstanding choice for brewing juicy, tropical pale ales and IPAs, and it remains a favorite among brewers seeking bold, modern hop expression.