Willow Creek Hops
AromaAlpha 4.0 -6.0%United States
Discovered growing naturally in the rugged canyons of Colorado, Willow Creek is a true North American original. As a member of the neomexicanus subspecies, it evolved independently of European hop lineages, giving it a genetic "wildness" that is entirely unique. It shares a close kinship with other native stars like Amalia and Multihead™, yet it stands out for its impressive resilience; unlike many of its desert cousins, Willow Creek shows a surprising tolerance for moisture and colder mountain temperatures.
For the craft brewer, Willow Creek is more than just an ingredient—it’s a taste of the American West’s wild terroir. It offers a chance to brew with a plant that has thrived in the wild for millennia, long before the first commercial hop yards were ever tilled.
If you can't find Willow Creek, the best alternatives are Medusa™, Multihead™, Sabro™, or Zappa™.
At A Glance
| Profile | Passion Fruit, Guava, Herbal, Mint, Lemon, White Pepper, Resinous, Dank |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Aroma |
| Alpha Acid | 4.0 -6.0% |
| Substitutes | Medusa™, Multihead™, Sabro™, Zappa™ |
| Pairs with | Hallertau Blanc (for wine-like notes), Medusa™ (or other native varieties), Nelson Sauvin™ (for fruitiness) |
| Beer Styles | Wild Ale, Farmhouse Saison, Hazy India Pale Ale |
General Information
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Storage Stability | Fair |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 4.0 -6.0% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 4.0 - 5.5% |
| Cohumulone | 25.0 - 30.0% |
| Total Oil | 1.0 - 2.0 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 45.0 - 55.0% |
| Humulene | 10.0 - 15.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 8.0 - 12.0% |
| Farnesene | < 1.0% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Early to middle. |
| Tolerant | Drought (exceptional) |
| Growth Rate | Extremely High; neomexicanus varieties are known for their rapid and aggressive climbing |
| Cones | Large |
| Ease of Harvest | Fair; requires careful timing as wild-origin cones can be more delicate than commercial standards |
| Side Arm Length | Medium |
- 2026-07-17 19:47:29