Yakima Cluster Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

While modern IPAs are defined by tropical fruit, Yakima Cluster is the hop that built the American brewing industry. A specific clonal selection (USDA 65102) of the oldest hop lineage in the United States, this variety was refined in the 1950s by the Prosser Research Center. It was engineered specifically to thrive in the sun-drenched, irrigated soils of Washington’s Yakima Valley—a terroir so specific that this hop struggles to grow in the more humid climates of Idaho or the Willamette Valley.

For the brewer, Yakima Cluster is a "living artifact." It represents the missing link between the wild hops of the early American frontier and the precision of modern agriculture. It remains the "gold standard" for anyone looking to brew a truly authentic, historical American ale or lager.

Similar to Early Cluster and non-distinguishable from other hops in the Cluster family, it is usually just called "Cluster".

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Yakima Cluster, the best alternatives are Chinook, Early Cluster, Eroica, or Galena.

At A Glance

Profile Spicy, Floral, Earthy, Blackcurrant
Purpose Bittering
Alpha Acid 4.4 - 9.8%
Substitutes Chinook, Early Cluster, Eroica, Galena
Beer Styles American Barley Wine, Cream Ale, Stout, American Porter

General Information

Country United States
Aliases USDA 65102, L-1
Storage Stability
Retains 85% alpha acids.

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 4.4 - 9.8%
Beta Acid 3.0 - 6.1%
Cohumulone 39.0 - 42.0%
Total Oil 0.2 - 0.9 ml/100g
Myrcene 45.0 - 55.0%
Humulene 17.0 - 19.0%
Caryophyllene 6.0 - 7.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,800 - 2,000 lbs/acre
Maturity Early
Resistant Verticillium Wilt (high)
Susceptible Downy Mildew (highly)
Growth Rate High
Ease of Harvest Excellent; cones are dense and well-clustered for mechanical picking.
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium green
Side Arm Length 18" - 36"

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Blackcurrant Earthy Floral Spicy
Variety Name
Chinook Cluster Eroica Galena
Beer Style
American Barley Wine American Porter Cream Ale Stout
Usage
Bittering
Origin
United States
Breeding/Supplier
Prosser Research Center
Last Updated
  • 2026-02-28 21:44:22
Source(s)

Hops Catalog

Navigating This Profile
  • The Stats: Use the Purpose and Alpha % to understand the hop's bitterness and aromatic strength.
  • Discovery Tags: Scroll down to find clickable tags for Flavor, Origin, and Usage.
  • The Network: Click any tag (like #Citrus or #New Zealand) to instantly view every other hop in our catalog that shares that trait.
Discovery Tag Spotlight

  • #Tropical-Fruit (Vacation in a Glass)

    Mid-week escape. Looking for massive notes of mango, pineapple, or passionfruit? These hops are the stars of hazy pales and juicy NEIPAs. Explore #Tropical-Fruit Hops!
Recently added hops
Did you know?
  • Dwarf variety hops grow shorter in height than traditional varieties but, importantly, produce the same yield. This combination makes harvest easier.
Explanations
  • Storage: is based on the percentage of alpha acids remaining after 6 months at 20*F.
  • Oil composition percetages are based on the total percentage of oil in the hop. Example: 10 - 20% means that for the specific oil it is 10 - 20% of the overall oil make up.