Simcoe® Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Simcoe® is a legendary American hop that stands as a foundational pillar of modern craft brewing. Released in 2000 by Yakima Chief Ranches, it was specifically engineered to offer a high-intensity dual-purpose performance that few other cultivars can equal. Often referred to as "Cascade on steroids," Simcoe® is prized for its remarkable versatility and a "chameleon-like" ability to shift between resinous, fruity, and herbal notes depending on the recipe. For over two decades, this proprietary variety has remained a top-tier choice, defining the iconic West Coast IPA with its massive oil content and exceptional agricultural stability.

The sensory profile of Simcoe® is a complex and legendary tapestry of "pine meets fruit." It leads with a primary, "dank" bouquet of damp forest floor, Douglas fir, and sticky pine resin, followed by a vibrant surge of passionfruit, apricot, and grapefruit zest. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle, earthy undertones of wood and a hint of wild berry. Thanks to its exceptionally low cohumulone levels and massive myrcene content, Simcoe® delivers a remarkably smooth, velvety bitterness that carries its heavy aromatic load without becoming harsh, making it the definitive choice for a rugged Pacific Northwest character balanced by sweet, tropical brightness.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Simcoe, the best alternatives are Citra®, Magnum, Mosaic®, or Summit™.

At A Glance

Profile Pine, Forest Floor, Resinous, Passionfruit, Apricot, Grapefruit Zest, Earthy, Wood, Wild Berry
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 11.5 - 15.0%
Substitutes Citra®, Magnum, Mosaic®, Summit™
Pairs with Amarillo® (the classic "West Coast" pairing for citrus), Citra® (for a massive/bright fruit punch), Mosaic® (for a deep berry/tropical complexity)
Beer Styles Double India Pale Ale, West Coast India Pale Ale, Pale Ale, Amber Ale, Stout

General Information

Country United States
Alias YCR 14
Storage Stability
Retains 70 - 75% alpha acid

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 11.5 - 15.0%
Beta Acid 3.0 - 4.5%
Cohumulone 12.0 - 15.0%
Total Oil 2.0 - 2.5 ml/100g
Myrcene 60.0 - 65.0%
Humulene 10.0 - 15.0%
Caryophyllene 5.0 - 8.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool 0.5 - 0.9%
B-Pinene 0.5 - 1.0%
Geraniol 0.8 - 1.2%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 2,650 - 2,880 lbs/acre.
Maturity Mid to late season
Resistant Powdery Mildew
Growth Rate Very high
Cones Medium to large, oval-shaped, and incredibly dense. They are heavily saturated with yellow lupulin t
Ease of Harvest Excellent; the bines are structurally strong and the variety is well-suited for high-speed mechanica
Sex Female
Leaf Color Medium-dark green
Side Arm Length 20" - 30"

Simcoe Aroma/Flavor Profile

Discovery Tags

Flavor/Aroma
Apricot Earthy Forest Floor Grapefruit Zest Passionfruit Pine Resinous Wild Berry Wood
Variety Name
Amarillo Citra Magnum Mosaic Summit
Beer Style
Amber Ale Double India Pale Ale Pale Ale Stout West Coast India Pale Ale
Usage
Dual: Aroma And Bittering
Origin
United States
Breeding/Supplier
Yakima Chief
Last Updated
  • 2026-04-03 16:59:13
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

  • #Stone-Fruit (Orchard Vibe)

    Saturday is for smooth sipping. From fuzzy peach to ripe apricot, these hops add a soft, rounded sweetness to the aroma of Pale Ales and Sours. Explore #Stone-Fruit 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.