Hershey Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Hershey is a rare and evocative heirloom variety that serves as a living connection to the early brewing traditions of the Eastern United States. Originating in the Susquehanna Valley of Pennsylvania, this hop was a staple of regional agriculture long before the area became synonymous with confectionery. Known for its historical association with the Hershey family’s early brewing interests, the variety was largely lost to the commercial market following Prohibition. Today, it is prized by heritage brewers for its classic "Old World" soul and its ability to impart an authentic, pre-Prohibition character to traditional American styles. It stands as a resilient, culturally significant hop that offers a unique alternative to modern, mass-produced hybrids.

The sensory profile of Hershey is a graceful and nostalgic arrangement of rustic earthiness and soft floral spice. It leads with a primary, "farmstead" bouquet of dried herbs, sweet hay, and wildflower honey/[tag], followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of [tag]black tea and a subtle woodsy resin. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant, balanced bitterness and a hint of dark fruit that remains exceptionally clean on the palate. Thanks to its moderate alpha acid content and traditional oil composition, Hershey delivers a smooth, integrated bitterness and a crisp, slightly spicy finish—the definitive choice for brewers seeking to impart a sense of historical American depth.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Hershey, the best alternatives are Cluster, Liberty, Mount Hood, or Willamette.

At A Glance

Profile Rustic Earth, Soft Floral Spice. Dried Herbs, Sweet Hay, Wildflower Honey, Black Tea, Woody Resin, Dark Fruit
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 4.0 - 6.-%
Substitutes Cluster, Liberty, Mount Hood, Willamette
Pairs with Cluster (to amplify the classic American heritage profile), Mount Hood (to add a brighter/more floral "Noble" lift), Willamette (to deepen the earthy/spicy notes)
Beer Styles Pre-Prohibition Lager, Cream Ale, Porter, Amber Ale

General Information

Country United States
Storage Stability
Fair

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 4.0 - 6.-%
Beta Acid 3.5 - 5.0%
Cohumulone 20.0 - 25.0%
Total Oil 0.8 - 1.4 ml/100g
Myrcene 35.0 - 45.0%
Humulene 25.0 - 30.0%
Caryophyllene 10.0 - 12.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1,200 - 1,500 lbs/acre
Maturity Mid Season
Growth Rate Moderate to High
Cones Medium-sized, oval, and moderately dense. They are noted for their classic appearance and a pungent,
Ease of Harvest Good; the plant structure is conducive to traditional harvesting methods. While it lacks the massive
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium Green
Side Arm Length 15" - 25"

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Black Tea Dark Fruit Earth Floral Herbal Resin Spice Sweet Hay Wildflower Honey Woody
Variety Name
Cluster Liberty Mount Hood Willamette
Beer Style
Amber Ale Cream Ale Porter Pre-prohibition Lager
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
United States
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-26 08:40:08
Source(s)
  • Google Gemini

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.