Idaho Gem Hops

Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 11.0 - 14.0%United States

Idaho Gem is a true diamond in the rough, discovered as a wild seedling in the fertile soils of Gooding Farms in Wilder, Idaho. Named in honor of its home state, this proprietary variety has quickly earned a reputation for its massive oil concentration and an aromatic profile that captures the vibrant spirit of the American Northwest. While many high-alpha hops focus on aggressive resins, Idaho Gem prioritizes saturated fruit sweetness and "clean" aromatic clarity. It is a robust grower that perfectly embodies its local terroir, providing brewers with a versatile, high-impact ingredient that excels in everything from traditional West Coast IPAs to the most pillowy, tropical hazy ales.

The profile of Idaho Gem is a luscious and saturated arrangement of red fruits and bright citrus. It leads with a dominant primary bouquet of cherry candy, candied orange peel, and pineapple, followed closely by a sophisticated secondary layer of sweet grapefruit and a whisper of herbal spice. Because of its remarkably low cohumulone levels and high myrcene content, it imparts a "smooth" fruit sensation on the palate that feels juicy rather than resinous. The bitterness is crisp and unobtrusive, acting as a transparent frame that allows the vivid, candy-like flavors to linger through a refreshing and bright finish. It is the definitive choice for brewers seeking a bold, fruit-forward hop that emphasizes sweetness, clarity, and immense drinkability.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Idaho Gem, the best alternatives are Azacca, Cashmere, Citra®, or El Dorado®.

At A Glance

ProfileCherry Candy, Candied Orange Peel, Pineapple, Red Berries, Grapefruit, Herbal Spice
PurposeDual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid11.0 - 14.0%
SubstitutesAzacca, Cashmere, Citra®, El Dorado®
Pairs withBelma® (to amplify the red berry characteristics), El Dorado® (to double down on the candy-fruit notes), Simcoe® (to ground the sweetness with a touch of pine)
Beer StylesNew England India Pale Ale, West Coast India Pale Ale, Hazy Pale Ale, Fruit Beers, Wheat Ale

General Information

Country
United States
Alias
2012G01
Storage Stability
Very Good

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
11.0 - 14.0%
Beta Acid
5.0 - 7.0%
Cohumulone
18.0 - 24.0%
Total Oil
1.3 - 2.0 ml/100g
Myrcene
45.0 - 55.0%
Humulene
10.0 - 20.0%
Caryophyllene
5.0 - 10.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%
Linalool
0.5 - 0.8%
Geraniol
0.2 - 0.5%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
2,200 - 2,600 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid to Late Season
Growth Rate
Very High / Vigorous
Cones
Medium to large, compact, and extremely resinous. During the harvest window, the cones emit a pungen
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; the physical bines are strong and resilient, handling high-speed mechanical picking with
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium Green
Side Arm Length
24" - 36" (Long)

Idaho Gem Aroma/Flavor Profile

Aroma
CitrusTropical FruitStone FruitApple/PearMelonBerryFloralSpicy/HerbalPineResinGrassEarthy/WoodyOnion/GarlicDank/Catty

Discovery Tags

Breeding/Supplier

Last Updated
  • 2026-05-13 14:30:40