Sun Hops
BitteringAlpha 12.0 - 16.0%United States
Sun is a high-performance variety that belongs to the elite class of American "Super Alphas." Developed by the Hopsteiner breeding program in the Yakima Valley, Sun was engineered for a singular purpose: maximum resin production and aggressive agricultural vigor. While its exact pedigree remains a closely guarded secret, it is widely suspected to be a cross between Brewer’s Gold and a sister selection of Columbus.
This lineage makes Sun a genetic sibling to the famous Columbus hop, though Sun was specifically selected for its massive yield potential and robust growth habits. While it has largely stepped out of the commercial spotlight in favor of newer proprietary hybrids, Sun remains a legendary chapter in the history of Washington hop innovation—representing a time when domestic breeding was defined by raw bittering power and field-dominating resilience.
If you can't find Sun, the best alternatives are Columbus, Galena, or Magnum.
At A Glance
| Profile | Herbal, Resinous, Grass, Pine, Earthy, Dank |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 12.0 - 16.0% |
| Substitutes | Columbus, Galena, Magnum |
| Pairs with | Cascade (to provide a classic citrus balance), Centennial (to add a floral lift), Chinook (to double down on pine and spice) |
| Beer Styles | Barleywine, Imperial Stout, American India Pale Ale |
General Information
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Storage Stability | Fair to good |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 12.0 - 16.0% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 4.5 - 7.0% |
| Cohumulone | 30.0 - 40.0% |
| Total Oil | 1.5 - 2.5 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 55.0 - 70.0% |
| Humulene | 10.0 - 15.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 5.0 - 10.0% |
| Farnesene | < 1.0% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 2,000+ lbs/acre |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Mid to late season |
| Growth Rate | High |
| Cones | Medium to large, very dense, and heavy with lupulin |
| Ease of Harvest | Good; the robust bines and firm cone attachment make it suitable for mechanical picking |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Light to medium green |
| Side Arm Length | 24" - 36" |
- 2026-03-25 23:31:15