- Home
- Hop Catalog
- Idaho Gem
Idaho Gem™ Hops
Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 11.0 - 14.0%United States
Flavor & aroma
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.
If you can't find Idaho Gem, the best alternatives are Azacca™, Cashmere, Citra®, or El Dorado®.
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