Columbus / Tomahawk / Zeus (CTZ) Hops: Profile & Substitutions

Description

Columbus has an odd development background that no one seems to know for sure. The reason the hop has multiple names is due to a legal dispute when both Hopunion and Yakima Chief attempted to patent.

It is one of the hops that make up the Three C's which includes Centennial and Cascade.

While they are often listed separately, Columbus, Tomahawk, and Zeus are genetically identical and are collectively known in the industry as CTZ.

The different names are the result of various companies trademarking the same hop variety during a period of legal disputes in the 1990s. Regardless of the name on the package, they all share the same high-alpha acid content and distinct "dank" aromatic profile.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Columbus / Tomahawk / Zeus (CTZ), the best alternatives are Chinook, Galena, Millennium, or Nugget.

At A Glance

Profile Earth, floral, and citrus. Sometime more pungent in the flavor, making this a great dry hop hop.
Purpose Dual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid 14.0 - 18.0%
Substitutes Chinook, Galena, Millennium, Nugget
Pairs with Amarillo®, Cascade, Centennial, Chinook
Beer Styles India Pale Ale, Pale Ale

General Information

Country United States
Aliases Tomahawk, Zeus, CTZ
Storage Stability
Retains 40%-65% alpha acid contents after 6 months of storage at 68°F.

Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)

Alpha Acid 14.0 - 18.0%
Beta Acid 4.0 - 5.5%
Cohumulone 28.0 - 35.0%
Total Oil 1.5 - 2.0 ml/100g
Myrcene 25.0 - 55.0%
Humulene 9.0 - 25.0%
Caryophyllene 8.0 - 12.0%
Farnesene < 1.0%
Linalool 0.4 - 0.6%
B-Pinene 0.6 - 1.0%
Geraniol 0.2 - 0.5%

Growth & Cultivation

Yield 1780-2230 lbs/acre
Maturity Late
Susceptible Powdery mildew, aphid
Growth Rate Moderate to high
Cones Medium to large size with compact density
Ease of Harvest Difficult

Columbus / Tomahawk / Zeus (CTZ) Aroma/Flavor Profile

Last Updated
  • 2026-01-28 21:47:55
Source(s)

Hops Catalog

Navigating This Profile
  • The Stats: Use the Purpose and Alpha % to understand the hop's bitterness and aromatic strength.
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  • 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.