Pahto™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Pahto™ represents the next evolution of high-efficiency bittering hops, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the modern brewhouse. Released in 2018 by the Hop Breeding Company (Yakima Chief Ranches), this proprietary "Super Alpha" variety was selected for its massive bittering potential and exceptional agricultural yields. Named in tribute to the Native American name for Mount Adams, Pahto™ provides a sturdy and reliable foundation for any beer style. It is favored by brewers for its remarkable consistency and its "clean-slate" approach—ensuring the heavy lifting of isomerization is handled efficiently while leaving the stage clear for the complex aromatics of later hop additions.

The secret to its smooth bitterness lies in its unique pedigree; the father of the mother of Pahto™ (quite the family tree!) hails from the legendary Wye College program in Kent, England. The profile of Pahto™ is intentionally focused on neutrality and structural integrity. When used as an early-kettle addition, it delivers an assertive bitterness that is notably devoid of the harsh, "grassy" tannins often found in other high-alpha varieties. While primarily a bittering workhorse, late additions reveal a subtle, refined character of mild earthiness, herbal spice, and light floral notes. Because of its low cohumulone levels, it provides a polished mouthfeel and a crisp, evanescent finish.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Pahto, the best alternatives are Apollo™, Columbus, Herkules, Magnum, or Warrior®.

At A Glance

Profile Mild Earthiness, Herbal Spice, Light Floral
Purpose Bittering
Alpha Acid 17.0 - 20.0%
Substitutes Apollo™, Columbus, Herkules, Magnum, Warrior®
Pairs with Citra® (to establish a clean base for tropical fruit), Mosaic® (to provide bitterness beneath complex berry notes), Sabro™ (to offer structural support for creamy coconut aromatics)
Beer Styles India Pale Ale, Double India Pale Ale, Stout, Lager, Pale Ale

General Information

Country United States
Alias HBC 682
Storage Stability
Excellent

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 17.0 - 20.0%
Beta Acid 4.5 - 6.0%
Cohumulone 26.0 - 32.0%
Total Oil 1.0 - 2.5 ml/100g
Myrcene 40.0 - 55.0%
Humulene 15.0 - 22.0%
Caryophyllene 7.0 - 12.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool ~0.5%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 2,500 - 3,000 lbs/acre
Maturity Late season
Resistant Powdery Mildew (superior), Downy Mildew (superior)
Growth Rate Very High
Cones Large, very dense, and heavily saturated with lupulin. The cones are structurally robust and hold up
Ease of Harvest Excellent; the bines are exceptionally strong, making them ideal for high-speed mechanical picking a
Sex Female
Leaf Color Dark green
Side Arm Length 24" - 40" (long)

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Earthy Floral Herbal Spicy
Variety Name
Apollo Citra Columbus Herkules Magnum Mosaic Sabro Warrior
Beer Style
Double India Pale Ale India Pale Ale Lager Pale Ale Stout
Usage
Bittering
Origin
United States
Breeding/Supplier
Hop Breeding Company
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-14 18:35:15
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

  • #Tropical-Fruit (Vacation in a Glass)

    Mid-week escape. Looking for massive notes of mango, pineapple, or passionfruit? These hops are the stars of hazy pales and juicy NEIPAs. Explore #Tropical-Fruit 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.