Idaho Gem™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

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

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

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Cherry Candy Grapefruit Herbal Orange Pineapple Red Berry Spice
Variety Name
Azacca Belma Cashmere Citra El Dorado Simcoe
Beer Style
Fruit Beers Hazy Pale Ale New England India Pale Ale West Coast India Pale Ale Wheat Ale
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
United States
Breeding/Supplier
Gooding Farms
Last Updated
  • 2026-05-13 08:30:40
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

  • #Floral (The Delicate Finish)

    A mellow Sunday pour. From jasmine to dried rose petals, floral hops provide a sophisticated aroma without overpowering the palate. Perfect for delicate Belgian styles. Explore #Floral Hops!
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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.