Olympic Hops

Olympic is a powerful dual-purpose variety that stands as a testament to the classic era of American hop breeding. Released in 1983 by Washington State University via cooperation with farm]United States Department of Agriculture[/farm], {Olympic was engineered to be a "Super Alpha" powerhouse. Its complex pedigree is a literal world tour of heritage varieties, bred from Brewer's Gold, Fuggle, East Kent Golding, and Bavarian, along with a fifth unknown varietal. Primarily grown in the Yakima Valley, this variety offers a rugged and resilient profile that thrives in the Pacific Northwest climate. While newer cultivars have since taken the spotlight, Olympic remains a reliable workhorse for those who appreciate a firm, clean bitterness paired with a sophisticated, old-school depth.

The sensory profile of Olympic is a bold and refreshing arrangement of sharp citrus and pungent earth. It leads with a primary, "zesty" bouquet of lemon and grapefruit pith, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of cracked black pepper and forest resin. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant herbal "snap" and a subtle woody undertone that remains clean on the palate even at high hopping rates. Thanks to its high alpha acid content and substantial oil saturation, Olympic delivers a punchy, assertive bitterness and a crisp, lingering finish. It is the definitive choice for brewers seeking a timeless American hop character with a bright, spicy-citrus intensity.