Michigan Copper Hops

AromaAlpha 8.0 - 11.0%United States

Michigan Copper is a powerhouse aroma variety that has become the flagship of the burgeoning Michigan hop industry. Developed and released by Great Lakes Hops in 2014, it was one of their first proprietary cultivars specifically engineered to harness the vibrant growing conditions of the Midwest. This vigorous triploid variety is a "regional triumph," standing out in the field for its massive, resin-drenched cones and its ability to produce a "New World" aromatic punch that competes with the top cultivars globally. Michigan Copper offers brewers a unique, high-impact alternative that balances robust agricultural resilience with a saturated, fruit-forward complexity.

The sensory profile of Michigan Copper is an explosive and saturated arrangement of tropical stone fruits and sweet candy-like citrus. It leads with a primary, "fruit-bowl" bouquet of ripe pineapple, fruit punch, and black cherry, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of hibiscus floral notes and a hint of resinous pine. As the profile develops, brewers often find a pleasant "red-fruit" sweetness and a clean herbal spice that remains substantial on the palate. Thanks to its high oil concentration and balanced acid profile, it delivers a smooth, firm bitterness and a long, fruit-saturated finish—the definitive choice for everything from hazy IPAs to complex Belgian farmhouse ales.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Michigan Copper, the best alternatives are Chinook, Citra®, Marynka, or Nelson Sauvin.

At A Glance

ProfilePineapple, Fruit Punch, Black Cherry, Hibiscus, Resin, Pine, Herbal, Spice
PurposeAroma
Alpha Acid8.0 - 11.0%
SubstitutesChinook, Citra®, Marynka, Nelson Sauvin
Pairs withCashmere (to add a silky melon-lemon smoothness), Chinook (to bridge the fruit with classic grapefruit/pine), Mackinac (to create an all-Michigan tropical fruit showcase)
Beer StylesIndia Pale Ale, Northeast India Pale Ale, Belgian Ale, Fruit Beer, Pale Ale, Wheat Beer

General Information

Country
United States
Storage Stability
Good

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
8.0 - 11.0%
Beta Acid
3.0 - 4.5%
Cohumulone
28.0 - 32.0%
Total Oil
1.5 - 2.5 ml/100g
Myrcene
40.0 - 50.%
Humulene
15.0 - 20.0%
Caryophyllene
6.0 - 10.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%
Linalool
~0.6%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,800 - 2,200 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid to Late Season
Growth Rate
Very High / Extremely Vigorous
Cones
Notable for their size; the cones are very large, heavy, and extremely dense. They are packed with g
Ease of Harvest
Excellent; the bines are structurally massive and strong, making them well-suited for mechanical pic
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium to Dark Green
Side Arm Length
24" - 36" (medium to long)

Discovery Tags

Usage

Breeding/Supplier

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-29 23:45:24