Michigan Copper™ Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

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

Profile Pineapple, Fruit Punch, Black Cherry, Hibiscus, Resin, Pine, Herbal, Spice
Purpose Aroma
Alpha Acid 8.0 - 11.0%
Substitutes Chinook, Citra®, Marynka, Nelson Sauvin™
Pairs with Cashmere (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 Styles India 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

Flavor/Aroma
Black Cherry Fruit Punch Herbal Hibiscus Pine Pineapple Resin Spice
Variety Name
Cashmere Chinook Citra Mackinac Marynka Nelson Sauvin
Beer Style
Belgian Ale Fruit Beer India Pale Ale Northeast India Pale Ale Pale Ale Wheat Beer
Usage
Aroma
Origin
United States
Breeding/Supplier
Great Lakes Hops
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-29 17:45:24
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.