Ivanhoe® Hops

AromaAlpha 4.0 - 6.0%United States

Ivanhoe® is a distinguished heirloom variety that stands as a liquid link to the early days of American hop cultivation. Originally hailing from California, this Cluster derivative has not been grown commercially in over a century, making its recent revival by Hops-Meister Farm a significant event for brewing historians. While many contemporary varieties chase aggressive tropical notes, Ivanhoe represents a refined essence of the past, offering a "Noble" purity that emphasizes herbal grace over pungent resins. It is a variety defined by its subtlety, providing a rare opportunity for brewers to explore the authentic, soft-spoken character of California’s lost brewing heritage.

The profile of Ivanhoe® is a sophisticated and nostalgic arrangement of the countryside. It leads with a primary bouquet of sweet hay, dried wildflowers, and damp earth, followed by a secondary layer of woody cedar and a subtle, minty freshness. Unlike the bold, fruit-forward hops of the modern age, Ivanhoe® is remarkably balanced and "polite," integrating seamlessly with the bready and biscuit-like notes of traditional base malts. On the palate, the bitterness is silky and restrained, leaving a clean, herbal finish that is both refreshing and deeply traditional. It is the definitive choice for brewers seeking a nuanced, heritage character that emphasizes absolute drinkability and old-world elegance.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Ivanhoe, the best alternatives are East Kent Golding, Progress, or Whitbread Golding.

At A Glance

ProfileSweet Hay, Woody Cedar, Wildflowers, Mint, Earth
PurposeAroma
Alpha Acid4.0 - 6.0%
SubstitutesEast Kent Golding, Progress, Whitbread Golding
Pairs withChallenger (to add a crisp/fruity edge), Fuggle (to anchor the floral notes in a rich/earthy base), Target (to provide a clean bittering foundation without overshadowing the Ivanhoe aroma)
Beer StylesEnglish Pale Ale, Best Bitter, Extra Special Bitter, Porter

General Information

Country
United States
Storage Stability
Moderate

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid
4.0 - 6.0%
Beta Acid
2.0 - 3.0%
Cohumulone
25.0 - 30.0%
Total Oil
0.6 - 1.0 ml/100g
Myrcene
25.0 - 35.0%
Humulene
35.0 - 45.0%
Caryophyllene
10.0 - 15.0%
Farnesene
< 1.0%
Linalool
~0.4%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield
1,200 - 1,500 lbs/acre
Maturity
Mid Season
Susceptible
Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew
Growth Rate
Moderate
Cones
Medium-sized, oval, and relatively compact. The cones are noted for their high-quality lupulin and a
Ease of Harvest
Moderate; as with most heritage Goldings, the bines are more delicate than modern hybrids. It requir
Sex
Female
Leaf Color
Medium Green
Side Arm Length
12" - 18" (Short)

Discovery Tags

Usage

Breeding/Supplier

Last Updated
  • 2026-05-12 23:49:43
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