Hops

Ahtanum is an aroma-type cultivar used for its aromatic properties and moderate bittering. The hop is named after the location where Charles Carpenter established the first hop farm east of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State in 1869.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include citrus grapefruit and geranium.

• Alpha Acid 3.5 - 6.5%
• Beta Acid 4 - 6%
• Co-humulone 30 - 34%
• Total Oil 0.5 - 1.7 mL/100g

Amarillo is a popular aroma variety utilized by the craft beer industry. It features relatively high alpha acids along with extremely high levels of myrcene for citrus and grapefruit flavors. As a result, it is an excellent dual purpose variety. Amarillo demonstrates good resistance to downy and powdery mildew.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include grapefruit, orange, lemon, melon, apricot and peach.

• Alpha Acid 7 - 11%
• Beta Acid 5.5 - 8%
• Co-humulone 20 - 24%
• Total Oil 1 - 2.3 mL/100g

Amarillo is a popular aroma variety utilized by the craft beer industry. It features relatively high alpha acids along with extremely high levels of myrcene for citrus and grapefruit flavors. As a result, it is an excellent dual purpose variety. Amarillo demonstrates good resistance to downy and powdery mildew.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include grapefruit, orange, lemon, melon, apricot and peach.

• Alpha Acid 7 - 11%
• Beta Acid 5.5 - 8%
• Co-humulone 20 - 24%
• Total Oil 1 - 2.3 mL/100g

Bred at Wye College in 1919, Brewer’s Gold is an ancestor to many major high alpha hops including Sterling, Galena, Horizon, Centennial and Nugget. It is an English variety, however American-grown Brewer’s Gold contains higher levels of alpha acids than its English counterpart.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include blackcurrant and spicy.

• Alpha Acid 8 - 11%
• Beta Acid 4 - 6.5%
• Co-humulone 40 - 48%
• Total Oil 1.5 - 3 mL/100g

Originating from the USDA-ARA breeding program, Cascade is an aroma-type cultivar bred in 1956 and released in 1972. It was developed by open pollination of a Fuggle seedling. Cascade is the most popular variety in craft brewing and is known for having a unique floral, spicy and citrus character with balanced bittering potential.

Aroma: Medium intense floral, citrus and grapefruit tones.

• Alpha Acid 5.5 - 9%
• Beta Acid 6 - 7.5%
• Co-humulone 30 - 35%
• Total Oil 0.8 - 2.5 mL/100g

Originating from the USDA-ARA breeding program, Cascade is an aroma-type cultivar bred in 1956 and released in 1972. It was developed by open pollination of a Fuggle seedling. Cascade is the most popular variety in craft brewing and is known for having a unique floral, spicy and citrus character with balanced bittering potential.

Aroma: Medium intense floral, citrus and grapefruit tones.

• Alpha Acid 5.5 - 9%
• Beta Acid 6 - 7.5%
• Co-humulone 30 - 35%
• Total Oil 0.8 - 2.5 mL/100g

Bred at Wye College and introduced in 1972, Challenger is a granddaughter of Northern Brewer and niece of Northdown. It is a versatile variety with wide application in both early and late kettle additions.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include cedar, green tea and sweet fruit.

• Alpha Acid 6.5 - 8.5%
• Beta Acid 4 - 4.5%
• Co-humulone 20 - 25%
• Total Oil 1 - 1.7 mL/100g

Developed by the USDA breeding program in Washington State and released in 1985 as a high alpha bittering variety, Chinook is a cross between Petham Golding and a USDA male. In recent years, it has found favor as a dual purpose hop in the craft brewing community as a result of its spice and pine aroma characteristics.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include grapefruit, spice, and pine.

• Alpha Acid 11.5 - 15%
• Beta Acid 3 - 4%
• Co-humulone 27 - 31%
• Total Oil 1 - 2.5 mL/100g

Developed by Hop Breeding Company and released in 2007. Citra features fairly high alpha acids and total oil contents with a low percentage of co-humulone. It is tolerant to downy mildew and powdery mildew with good pickability of dense, medium sized cones. Comprised of Hallertau Mittelfrüh, US Tettnang, Brewer's Gold and East Kent Golding.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include grapefruit, melon, lime, gooseberry, passion fruit and lychee.

• Alpha Acid 11 - 15%
• Beta Acid 3 - 4.5%
• Co-humulone 20 - 24%
• Total Oil 1.5 - 3 mL/100g

Cluster is one of the oldest hop varieties grown in the United States and until the late 1970s, accounted for the majority of the country’s hop acreage. Its pedigree is unknown, however hybridization of imported varieties and indigenous male hops has been suggested. Cluster is an excellent dual purpose hop and is often used in the reproduction of historical beer styles.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include floral, earthy and sweet fruit.

• Alpha Acid 6 - 9%
• Beta Acid 4 - 6%
• Co-humulone 36 - 41%
• Total Oil 0.5 - 1 mL/100g

Columbus is a descendant of Nugget. It is a high alpha variety and is primarily used for bittering purposes. Columbus is often referred to as CTZ, a trio of similar hops including Tomahawk and Zeus.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include black pepper, licorice, curry and subtle citrus.

• Alpha Acid 14.5 - 17.5%
• Beta Acid 4.5 - 6%
• Co-humulone 28 - 30%
• Total Oil 2.5 - 4.5 mL/100g

Bred in 1983 by the USDA, Crystal is a triploid aroma-type cultivar from Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Cascade, Brewer's Gold and Early Green. It is primarily grown in Oregon and has become increasingly popular among craft brewers due to its versatility in a variety of beer styles.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include woody and green.

• Alpha Acid 3 - 6%
• Beta Acid 6 - 8.5%
• Co-humulone 23 - 26%
• Total Oil 0.8 - 2.3 mL/100g

Developed by Hopunion LLC in 2011, Falconer's Flight hop pellets are an exclusive proprietary hop blend created to honor and support the legacy of Northwest brewing legend, Glen Hay Falconer. Proceeds from each Falconer's Flight purchase is contributed to the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation. These hop pellets are an excellent complement to many IPA and Pale Ale-oriented hop varieties.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include strong fruit and citrus characteristics with layers of spicy and earthy overtones.

• Alpha Acid 9 - 10.5%
• Beta Acid 4.7 - 5.1%
• Co-humulone 0 - 48%
• Total Oil 1.7 - 1.7 mL/100g

Developed by Hopunion LLC in 2010, Falconer's Flight hop pellets are an exclusive proprietary hop blend created to honor and support the legacy of Northwest brewing legend, Glen Hay Falconer. Proceeds from each Falconer's Flight purchase is contributed to the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation. These hop pellets are an excellent complement to many IPA and Pale Ale-oriented hop varieties.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include distinct tropical, floral, lemon and grapefruit characteristics. 

• Alpha Acid 9.5 - 12%
• Beta Acid 4 - 5%
• Co-humulone 20 - 25%
• Total Oil 1.6 - 4.6 mL/100g

Fuggle (US) has slightly less aroma impact than its English counterpart. Grown at first in Oregon and now in Washington, it features a more balanced oil profile and higher alpha acid content than the original UK variety giving it a fruitier flavor profile. 

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include delicate and pleasant mint, grass and floral tones.

• Alpha Acid 4% - 5.5%
• Beta Acid 1.5% - 2%
• Co-humulone 25% - 33%
• Total Oil 0.7 - 1.4 mL/100g

The most revered and famous English hop, known for its full bodied flavor in traditional ales.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include delicate and pleasant mint, grass and floral tones.

• Alpha Acid 3 - 5.6%
• Beta Acid 2 - 3%
• Co-humulone 25 - 30%
• Total Oil 0.7 - 1.4 mL/100g

Typically used as a late addition - the aroma and flavor characteristics become more pronounced the later the addition.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include distinct passionfruit and clean citrus aromas.

• Alpha Acid 11.6 - 16%
• Beta Acid 5 - 6.9%
• Co-humulone 32 - 42%
• Total Oil 3 - 5 mL/100g

Developed by the USDA breeding program in Idaho in 1968 and released in 1978, Galena is a high alpha variety with increasingly popular aroma characteristics. It has moderate tolerance to downy mildew and is susceptible to powdery mildew, but has good pickability of medium size, compact cones.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include sweet fruits, pear, pineapple, blackcurrant, grapefruit, lime, gooseberry and spicy wood.

• Alpha Acid 13 - 15%
• Beta Acid 7.5 - 8.5%
• Co-humulone 34 - 39%
• Total Oil 1.3 - 2.1 mL/100g

A classic British hop, Goldings have a background as East Kent Golding but are grown in Hereford and Worcester. They are complementary to Fuggles, providing floral and citrus overtones; an excellent selection for bitter, pale ale, ESB, blond, tripel, saison and kölsch-style beers.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include fragrant, floral, zesty lemon, orange and grapefruit.

• Alpha Acid 4 - 6%
• Beta Acid 2 - 3%
• Co-humulone 23 - 28%
• Total Oil 0.7 - 1 mL/100g

A classic British hop, Goldings have a background as East Kent Golding but are grown in Hereford and Worcester. They are complementary to Fuggles, providing floral and citrus overtones; an excellent selection for bitter, pale ale, ESB, blond, tripel, saison and kölsch-style beers.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include fragrant, floral, zesty lemon, orange and grapefruit.

• Alpha Acid 4 - 6%
• Beta Acid 2 - 3%
• Co-humulone 23 - 28%
• Total Oil 0.7 - 1 mL/100g

Golding hops consist of a group of traditional English aroma varieties which have been cultivated since 1790. The cultivar originated in England and the hops were named after villages in East Kent (Petham, Rothersham, Canterbury, Eastwell). US Golding is the Canterbury strain. It is susceptible to downy mildew, but has good pickability of small size, moderately compact cones.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include delicate and sweet floral.

• Alpha Acid 3 - 6.5%
• Beta Acid 2 - 3.5%
• Co-humulone 25 - 28%
• Total Oil 0.4 - 1 mL/100g

This classic German aroma hop is often associated with Bavarian-style lager beers and distinguished by an intense, pleasantly-harmonic bitterness. At one time, this was the major Hallertau landrace variety with a highly acclaimed aroma profile.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include mild, yet spicy, with floral and citrus tones.

• Alpha Acid 3 - 5.5%
• Beta Acid 3 - 5%
• Co-humulone 18 - 28%
• Total Oil 0.7 - 1.3 mL/100g

Bred in Oregon in 1970 and released in 1997, Horizon is a descendant of Brewer's Gold and half-sister to Nugget. Its low co-humulone is similar to noble varieties and provides smoothness to beer, however alpha acid levels can reach as high as 12%. Horizon can be utilized in every stage of the brewing process.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include floral bouquet and spicy.

• Alpha Acid 8.8 - 12%
• Beta Acid 5.5 - 7.5%
• Co-humulone 16 - 19%
• Total Oil 0.5 - 1.5 mL/100g

Bred in Oregon in 1970 and released in 1997, Horizon is a descendant of Brewer's Gold and half-sister to Nugget. Its low co-humulone is similar to noble varieties and provides smoothness to beer, however alpha acid levels can reach as high as 12%. Horizon can be utilized in every stage of the brewing process.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include floral bouquet and spicy.

• Alpha Acid 8.8 - 12%
• Beta Acid 5.5 - 7.5%
• Co-humulone 16 - 19%
• Total Oil 0.5 - 1.5 mL/100g

Bred in 1983, Liberty is an extension of the Hallertau hop family. It is a half-sister to Ultra, Mt. Hood and Crystal. Liberty demonstrates some tolerance to downy mildew, is susceptible to powdery mildew and has small size cones that can be difficult to harvest.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include noble, delicate, floral bouquet and spice.

• Alpha Acid 4 - 5.5%
• Beta Acid 3 - 4%
• Co-humulone 22 - 24%
• Total Oil 1 - 1.8 mL/100g

Bred at the Hop Research Center in Hüll in 1980 and released in 1993, Magnum is a German variety (also grown in the US) and daughter of Galena. It is a high alpha cultivar and is often used as the base bittering variety. Magnum does not display any distinct aroma characteristics, however, subtle spice and fruit characteristics have been noted by some brewers.

Aroma: Magnum is a bittering hop with no distinct aroma characteristics.

• Alpha Acid 12 - 15.5%
• Beta Acid 5.5 - 8%
• Co-humulone 23 - 28%
• Total Oil 2 - 3 mL/100g

Bred by the John I. Haas breeding program and released in 2000, Millennium is a super-alpha variety with mild, herbal aromas. It is tolerant to downy mildew and powdery mildew, and has good pickability of medium size cones.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include resin, floral, toffee and pear.

• Alpha Acid 15.5 - 18.5%
• Beta Acid 5 - 6.5%
• Co-humulone 29 - 35%
• Total Oil 1.5 - 3 mL/100g

Bred in 1983 and released from the USDA breeding program in Oregon in 1989, Mt. Hood is a triploid aroma type cultivar with similarities to German Hallertau and German Hersbrucker. It is tolerant to downy mildew with good pickability of medium size, compact cones. Mt. Hood is named after the famous Oregon volcano.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include herbal, pungent and spicy.

• Alpha Acid 4 - 6.5%
• Beta Acid 4.4 - 7.2%
• Co-humulone 21 - 25%
• Total Oil 0.8 - 2 mL/100g

Bred in 1992 by Oregon State University and released in 1992 through the USDA, Newport is a descendant of the classic bittering variety, Magnum. It offers high alpha acid, co-humulone and myrcene content, offering more distinct aroma characteristics than its parent. Newport is resistant to downy mildew and powdery mildew and has good pickability of medium to large size, loose cones.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include earth, citrus, wine and balsamic.

• Alpha Acid 10 - 12.5%
• Beta Acid 5.5 - 6.5%
• Co-humulone 36 - 38%
• Total Oil 1.6 - 2.5 mL/100g

Bred in England in 1934 from a Canterbury Golding plant and male seedling of Brewer's Gold, Northern Brewer is mainly grown in the United States and Germany. US Northern Brewer contains slightly higher alpha acids and high myrcene oil content resulting in herbal, wood and peppery aroma characteristics; it is suitable for any stage of the brewing process.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include evergreen, wood and mint.

• Alpha Acid 7 - 10%
• Beta Acid 3.5 - 5.5%
• Co-humulone 30 - 34%
• Total Oil 1 - 2 mL/100g

Nugget can be used as a bittering hop. It has pleasant, mild, herbal aromas.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include mild, pleasant, herbal aromas.

• Alpha Acid 13.5 - 16%
• Beta Acid 4.4 - 5.5%
• Co-humulone 22 - 26%
• Total Oil 1 - 3 mL/100g

Developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research hop breeding program and released in 2004, Pacific Jade is a cross of New Zealand First Choice (a relative of the Late Cluster) and a Saaz male. It is suited for use as a bittering hop but also delivers bold citrus and spice aroma characteristics.

Aroma: Specific aroma descriptors include fresh citrus and complex spice characters; some bold herbal aromas and hints of black pepper.

• Alpha Acid 12 - 14%
• Beta Acid 7 - 8%
• Co-humulone 23 - 25%
• Total Oil 1.4 - 1.4 mL/100g