Kazbek is a hybridization between the Bor variety and a wild Russian hop from the Caucasus mountains. Its name, Kazbek, links it to this wild heritage. Mount Kazbek is a dormant stratovolcano and the seventh highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia. The female parent, Bor, is a Czech dual purpose hop from a Northern Brewer female that was pollinated by Saaz.

Genetically, Kazbek belongs to the group of high alpha cultivars from Brewers Gold, which also happens to be the variety to which it is most genetically similar, while the most similar Czech variety is Agnus.

Its profile is often compared to Saaz, but much stronger, earning it the nickname "Super Saaz".

- Possible alternative: Saaz