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Idaho Gem™ Hops
Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 11.0 - 14.0%United States
Flavor & aroma
Breeding & lineage: Proprietary wild seedling selection
Genetics & family tree
Curated parent and offspring links for Idaho Gem. View Idaho Gem family tree & lineage chart → Recipe swaps are on the Hop Substitutor.
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.
Looking for an alternative?
Run Idaho Gem through our Hop Substitutor to find chemical and flavor matches ranked for your brewing goal.
If you can't find Idaho Gem, the best alternatives are Azacca™, Cashmere, Citra®, or El Dorado®.
Similar hops (calculated)
View hop substitutes for Idaho Gem →Match scores use aroma/flavor charts and chemistry — estimates only.
At A Glance
| Profile | Cherry Candy, Candied Orange Peel, Pineapple, Red Berries, Grapefruit, Herbal Spice |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual: Aroma and Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 11.0 - 14.0% |
| Substitutes | Azacca™, Cashmere, Citra®, El Dorado® |
| Pairs with | Belma® (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 Styles | New 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
- 2026-05-13 14:30:40