Items found matching the tag "cascade"
Admiral hops was released for commercial use in 1996 (other sources have it as 1998). It was created from a male Challenger plant and female plant in the Northdown family. It is the first UK hop to have an alpha acid over 15.0%. Works well as a replacement for bittering and aroma.
Ahtanum® is named for the location where Charles Carpenter established the first hop farm in the Yakima Valley in 1869. It is the first commercially available bred hop by Yakima Chief Ranches. Used primarily as an aroma hop due to low alpha acid composition.
Amarillo® is a super version of Cascade that has a distinctive orange character that separates it from Cascade. Trademark owned by Virgil Gamache Farms and was found by them growing alongside Liberty in their hop yard.
Released in 1990, Centennial's genetics is 75% Brewer's Gold as well as Fuggle, East Kent Golding, and Bavarian hops. The male parent is the same as that of Nugget. Typically referred to as "Super Cascade". Centennial offers more bittering potential and an overall bigger profile than Cascade. Centennial was developed in 1974 by S.T. Kenny and C.E. Zimmerman. Bred by the United States Department of Agriculture Hop Germplasm Collection, Oregon State Univerity East Farm Washington State University Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Prosser, Washington.
Released by the United States Department of Agriculture breeding program in 1985, Chinook is considered by the some the fourth member of the Three C's: Cascade, Centennial, and Columbus / Tomahawk / Zeus (CTZ). With no trademark, Chinook is a great candidate to grow at home.
Green Bullet™ was bred by the New Zealand Hop Research Committee to be resistant to Black Root Rot disease, a disease that decimated hops in the 1940s in New Zealand. Released for commercial use in 1972, Green Bullet™ was originally known as Brand 65-3-82. Acreage is on a decline over the past 10 years. Bred from an open pollination Smoothcone to have high alpha acid. This has enabled the hop to be used for bittering in lagers. It also has a "traditional" spicy character.
Idaho Gem™ was bred at Gooding Farms in Wilder, Idaho and named after its home state. The flavors from Idaho Gem™ are soft and full with remarkable smoothness.
Jester™ was developed by Charles Faram, released in 2013 after originally being planted in 2009 along with Olicana®, its sister. With breeding from Cascade it may be used for bittering and aroma purposes. Optimally needs warm spring weather to produce best characteristics.
Kazbek was bred by Hop Research Institute in Žatec, Czech Republic from Saaz and a wild hop similar to Cascade. Its aroma is similar to Saaz but more intense. Released in 2008. It is named for the Kazbek peak, one of the highest in the Caucasus mountain range. Great in beers that need an intense noble hop profile.
Nelson Sauvin™ was first released in 2000, is a triploid variety developed by Hort Research, Riwaka Research Centre (Plant & Food Research). Bred from New Zealand Smoothcone and a New Zealand male. Definitely imparts a unique aroma. High alpha acids makes Nelson Sauvin™ a great dual hop.
Nugget was bred by the United States Department of Agriculture in Corvallis, Oregon, starting in 1970.. Initial commercial release was 1983. Brewer's Gold heritage. Used primarily as a bittering hop, especially in the early days, but now has been given dual duty as an aroma hop as well. Pedigree is quite complex and makes it a mutt: Brewer's Gold, Early Green, East Kent Golding, Bavarian (unspecified) and unknown variety.
Perle (US) is a quintessential dual-purpose hop that successfully blends traditional German elegance with the robust growing power of the American Pacific Northwest. While it shares the same lineage as the original German variety—descending from Northern Brewer—the American-grown version typically boasts a higher alpha-acid content. Brought to US soil to provide brewers with a reliable, high-performing crop, Perle (US) offers exceptional storage stability and consistent year-over-year performance. It has become a definitive "workhorse" in the brewhouse, favored by those who require a versatile ingredient that can provide the structural backbone for a crisp lager or the aromatic nuance for a complex ale. The sensory profile of Perle (US) is a masterful balance of spicy noble characteristics and refreshing herbal notes. It leads with a primary, "woodland" bouquet of fresh mint, cedar, and forest floor, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of delicate wildflowers and soft pepper. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle hints of green tea and a clean, woody earthiness that is often more pronounced than its European counterparts. Thanks to its balanced chemical composition and moderate alpha levels, Perle (US) delivers a firm but smooth bitterness and a crisp finish, making it the definitive choice for a timeless continental quality with a bright, clean American edge.
Petoskey™ is a remarkable, field-grade variety that highlights the incredible potential of Michigan’s native hop heritage. Currently grown by Great Lakes Hops, this variety is believed to be a "lost" heritage hop rediscovered as a resilient seedling in the northern reaches of the state. Petoskey™ has been carefully cultivated to offer brewers a distinct, terroir-focused alternative to Pacific Northwest cultivars, acting as a vigorous bridge between the assertive bitterness of heritage American hops and the complex fruitiness of modern hybrids. It serves as a liquid tribute to the rugged, freshwater-fed landscape of the Great Lakes region. The sensory profile of Petoskey™ is an evocative blend of bright citrus and deep, resinous forest notes. It leads with a primary, "saturated" bouquet of sweet orange zest, ripe melon, and pineapple, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of dank pine and wildflower honey. As the profile develops, brewers will find a subtle, clean herbal earthiness and a hint of stone fruit that remains vibrant even when pitted against heavy malt bills. Thanks to its exceptionally low cohumulone levels and high essential oil saturation, Petoskey™ delivers a smooth, clean bitterness and a refreshing finish, making it the definitive choice for a bold "Northwoods" character with a modern, tropical twist.
Pilot is a high-performance English dual-purpose hop that represents the next generation of Wye College breeding. Released in 2002 as a direct descendant of the Pioneer variety, Pilot was engineered to provide brewers with a reliable, high-alpha bittering base that doesn't sacrifice aromatic quality. It is a favorite among growers for its exceptional storage stability and consistent yields, even in challenging seasons. While it is a formidable bittering hop, Pilot has carved out a niche in the craft world for its distinctive character—often described as a "spicy/[tag] [tag]marmalade"—offering a clean, traditional English soul with a touch of modern citrus intensity. The sensory profile of Pilot is a sophisticated arrangement of crisp citrus and warm, traditional spice. It leads with a primary, "zesty" bouquet of lemon zest and bitter orange marmalade, followed by a refined secondary layer of herbal spice and dried flowers. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant, clean earthiness and a hint of fresh-cut hay. Thanks to its exceptionally low cohumulone levels, Pilot delivers a remarkably smooth, rounded bitterness that is devoid of the harsh "edge" often found in other high-alpha varieties. It is the definitive choice for brewers seeking a versatile workhorse that provides both structural depth and a bright, refreshing aromatic finish.
Polaris is a revolutionary high-alpha variety that represents the pinnacle of modern German hop breeding. Released in 2012 by the Hüll Hop Research Center, it was engineered to be a "super-hop" capable of delivering massive bittering efficiency alongside an unmistakable aromatic signature. Polaris is distinguished by its incredible essential oil content—often double that of traditional varieties—and its robust agricultural performance. It is a favorite among craft brewers who require a versatile hop that can stand up to the biggest malt bills while providing a cooling, bold, and refreshing finish that is entirely its own. The sensory profile of Polaris is intense, multi-dimensional, and famously refreshing. It is world-renowned for its signature "ice candy" or menthol character, which provides a distinct cooling sensation on the palate. This leads a primary bouquet of sharp peppermint, wintergreen, and eucalyptus, followed by a vibrant secondary layer of green apple candy and a Hallertau-like herbal sweetness. As the profile develops, brewers will find a substantial, resinous mouthfeel and a clean, punchy bitterness. Thanks to its massive oil concentration and high alpha acids, Polaris delivers a saturated aromatic presence and a crisp finish, making it the definitive choice for a bold, "glacier-fresh" impact.
Saaz (US) is a premier domestic tribute to the world’s most famous "Noble" hop, cultivated in the fertile valleys of the Pacific Northwest. This American-grown version of the Czech landrace classic originated from a Czechoslovakian Saaz seedling received by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1973. While it is notoriously difficult to grow and produces a lower yield than many modern cultivars, it offers brewers a reliable, high-quality aromatic profile that honors its European heritage. Expected to be related to Hersbrucker and Spalt, the unique terroir of the United States imparts a subtle domestic robustness to this lineage, often resulting in a slightly higher resin content and a bright, clean finish that American craft brewers demand. The sensory profile of Saaz (US) is a masterclass in elegant herbal complexity with a uniquely American twist. It leads with a primary, "perfumed" bouquet of fresh-cut hay, spring wildflowers, and a distinct peppery spiciness that is the hallmark of the Saaz lineage. As the profile develops, brewers will find a soft, earthy woodiness and a subtle, bright citrus note that is slightly more pronounced than its Czech counterpart. Thanks to its high farnesene content and balanced oil composition, US Saaz delivers a remarkably smooth, non-lingering bitterness and a crisp finish, making it the definitive choice for imparting a classic continental character with a touch of modern domestic clarity.
Santiam is a premier American-bred aroma hop that serves as a sophisticated tribute to the legendary "Noble" varieties of Germany. Released in 1997 by the United States Department of Agriculture Research Service in Corvallis, Oregon, it is a unique triploid cross derived from Tettnanger, Hallertau Mittelfrüh, and an unknown USDA male (descended from Cascade). This heritage allows Santiam to deliver the delicate, refined aromatic profile of its European ancestors while thriving in the Pacific Northwest. It is a boutique variety prized for its incredible chemical purity—specifically its high farnesene content and low cohumulone levels—which ensures a high-quality, soft bitterness and a polished finish that bridges the gap between old-world elegance and modern domestic reliability. The sensory profile of Santiam is a masterful arrangement of soft floral sweetness and refined herbal spice. It leads with a primary, "perfumed" bouquet of fresh wildflowers/[tag], [tag]lavender, and sweet hay, followed by a sophisticated spicy black pepper undertone reminiscent of classic Tettnanger. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle, bright notes of lemon zest and a soft woodiness that remains remarkably clean. Because of its high beta-acid content and balanced oil composition, Santiam delivers a remarkably smooth, velvety bitterness and a crisp finish, making it the perfect choice for elevating delicate lagers and Belgian-style ales.
Sasquatch® is a true North American original and the first hop variety to be trademarked and patented in Canada, by Hops Connect. Discovered as a wild "chance seedling" in the heart of British Columbia, it was brought to the commercial market by Hops Connect to capture the untamed spirit of the Canadian wilderness. Unlike laboratory-bred varieties, Sasquatch® emerged naturally, proving its resilience and unique aromatic potential in the rugged Pacific Northwest climate. As the flagship variety of the Canadian hop industry, it offers a distinct terroir and high oil content, providing a bold, "wild" alternative for craft brewers looking to bridge the gap between resinous traditions and modern fruit flavors. The sensory profile of Sasquatch® is a vibrant arrangement of sweet fruit and classic forest notes that shifts based on its pairing. It leads with a primary, "juicy" bouquet of orange zest, lemon, and sweet tangerine, followed by a lush tropical surge of mango and papaya. As the profile develops, brewers will find a sophisticated background of wildflower honey and a clean pine resin that anchors the fruit. Because of its balanced chemical makeup and low-to-moderate cohumulone levels, Sasquatch® delivers a smooth, integrated bitterness and a crisp finish, making it the definitive choice for a citrus-forward impact with a refined, earthy complexity.
Satus® (often called Status) is a high-performance American bittering hop developed by Yakima Chief Ranches in Washington State. During its peak production years, it was the preferred "workhorse" for breweries requiring massive alpha acid content for large-scale production. While it was primarily engineered for bittering efficiency and a clean, neutral profile, it remains a favorite among legacy brewers for its reliable performance in the kettle. Although it was largely discontinued as a major commercial variety around 2016, its influence persists in many classic West Coast India Pale Ale recipes that relied on its potent resinous backbone to balance heavy malt profiles. Currently, it is not widely grown commercially, making it a "cult classic" for those who still have access to rhizomes or legacy lots.
Serebrianka, whose name translates to "The Silvery One," is a legendary Russian variety from the Institute for Plant Research in St. Petersburg. While it arrived at the USDA research program in 1971, it was eventually discarded for commercial use in 1991 due to its status as a weak grower in American soil. However, its historical significance is massive: it is a quintessential old-world aroma hop believed to be related to Saaz, and it is famously known as the mother of Cascade—the variety that launched the American craft revolution. Today, it remains a rare find, occasionally available to homebrewers and boutique creators seeking a deep genetic connection to the "Noble" tradition. The sensory profile of Serebrianka is an intricate and sophisticated arrangement of rustic European aromatics. It leads with a primary, "continental" bouquet of black tea, fresh herbs, and sweet tobacco, followed by a woody earthiness reminiscent of a damp forest floor. As the profile develops, brewers will find a delicate, spicy presence—similar to a cross between East Kent Golding and Fuggle—with a soft, almost imperceptible hint of citrus. Thanks to its high humulene and farnesene content, Serebrianka delivers a remarkably smooth, velvety bitterness and a clean, dry finish, making it the definitive choice for historical recreations requiring a soulful, "pre-prohibition" aromatic depth.
Solero™ is a groundbreaking German hop that redefines the capabilities of the Hallertau growing region. Developed by the Hopsteiner Breeding Program, it was engineered from a cross between Cascade and a specialized Hopsteiner male. This pedigree bridges the gap between traditional German agricultural excellence and the high-impact tropical profiles of modern "New World" hops. While many German varieties are prized for subtle herbal notes, Solero™ was bred for intensity; its higher alpha acids and saturated oil profile make it a versatile dual-purpose powerhouse with exceptional storage stability. The sensory profile is an explosion of tropical and citrus fruits, living up to its namesake with a remarkably "juicy" presence. It leads with a primary bouquet of ripe mango, passionfruit, and sweet pineapple, followed by bright layers of orange zest and lemon peel. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle hints of honey and a soft floral background that remains remarkably clean. Because of its low cohumulone levels and high total oil content, Solero™ delivers a smooth, non-lingering bitterness and a lush aromatic impact, making it the definitive choice for high-intensity tropical character without the "dank" notes of some American varieties.
Southern Cross™ is a distinguished New Zealand dual-purpose hop that embodies the rugged, pristine character of the Tasman region. Released in 1994 by the HortResearch breeding program, it features a diverse lineage including Smooth Cone, Fuggle, and an American variety. Developed to provide brewers with a reliable, high-alpha bittering agent, Southern Cross quickly distinguished itself through a sophisticated aromatic profile that far exceeds standard bittering hops. It is a true workhorse of the industry, prized for its excellent storage stability and its unique ability to anchor a heavy stout while providing the bright top-notes required for modern lagers. The sensory profile is a vibrant, cooling arrangement of citrus and coniferous forest notes. It leads with a "clean and green" bouquet of fresh-squeezed lemon and lime zest, followed by a deep, resinous pine character. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle hints of spice and soft floral undertones that provide a crisp finish. Because of its remarkably low cohumulone levels, Southern Cross™ delivers a smooth, velvety bitterness that integrates seamlessly into any malt backbone, making it a premier choice for high-quality bittering and refreshing aromatic impact.
Sovereign is a distinguished British aroma hop that represents the refined evolution of the traditional English hop profile. Bred by Dr. Peter Darby at the Hop Research Institute of Wye College from an open pollination in 1995, it was officially released in 2006. As a grand-daughter of Pioneer, Sovereign was developed to offer the reliability and vigor of modern cultivars while preserving the delicate, soulful aromatics that have defined British brewing for centuries. Sovereign provides a more nuanced and "perfumed" character than many of its contemporaries. While it works beautifully as a standalone hop, it is prized by brewers for its ability to add layers of complexity to a blend. It is an essential variety for those who demand a classic UK presence—earthy, floral, and slightly spicy—but with a clean, high-quality oil composition that translates perfectly into both traditional cask ales and modern craft styles.
Sterling is a masterful American aroma hop that brings the legendary refinement of the Old World into the modern era. Developed by the United States Department of Agriculture breeding program in 1990 and officially released in 1998, Sterling was specifically engineered to be a domestic successor to the classic Czech Saaz, which at the time suffered from unreliable availability. Researchers created this "complex" variety (some might call it a high-bred mutt) by crossing Saaz (50%) with Cascade (25%), Brewer's Gold, and Early Green. This pedigree allows Sterling to possess the delicate "Noble" characteristics of its ancestors while offering the improved vigor and resin content of American cultivars. It has become a cornerstone for craft brewers who require a clean, sophisticated aromatic profile for traditional lagers, proving that domestic hops can achieve a level of elegance equal to the finest European landrace varieties.
Styrian Dragon is a vibrant and versatile aroma variety that represents the bold, new-age spirit of Slovenian hop breeding. Released in 2017 by the Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing, it was engineered to offer brewers a high-intensity aromatic profile while maintaining the agricultural reliability of a continental cultivar. Born from a sophisticated cross between traditional European lineage and high-impact American germplasm, Styrian Dragon is a standout "citrus-floral" variety. It possesses a unique chemical composition—specifically its high farnesene and linalool levels—which allow it to cut through complex malt bills with ease. It has quickly become a favorite among craft brewers for providing a bright, refreshing character that defines the modern wave of hop-forward European ales.
Styrian Fox is a standout variety in the new generation of Slovenian hops, offering a vibrant and modern aromatic profile from a traditional European growing region. Developed by the Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing, it is the result of a sophisticated cross between the well-established Aurora variety and high-impact American germplasm. There is frequent debate in brewing circles regarding its classification; while most sites report it as dual-purpose, others categorize it strictly as an aroma hop due to conflicting data on its alpha acid range. Regardless of the label, this pedigree allows Styrian Fox to offer the agricultural reliability of a European cultivar while delivering the intense, fruit-heavy notes typically associated with New World hops. It is a versatile choice for brewers looking to push the boundaries of hop-forward styles while maintaining a sense of continental balance.
Styrian Kolibri is a refined Slovenian aroma variety that represents the delicate side of modern hop innovation. Released in 2017 by the Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing, it was developed from a sophisticated blend of European and American germplasm. The goal was to provide brewers with a precise aromatic tool that bridges the gap between the classic "Noble" tradition and contemporary fruit-forward cultivars. While its name—the Hummingbird—suggests a light, ephemeral touch, Kolibri possesses a remarkably high oil content that ensures its complex bouquet remains vibrant through the brewing process. It is a standout variety for brewers who prioritize nuance and elegance, offering a clean agricultural pedigree and a unique chemical composition that excels in both traditional European lagers and modern, expressive ales.
Summer is a luminous Australian aroma variety that offers a contemporary, fruit-forward twist on a legendary lineage. Bred in 1997 by Hop Products Australia, Summer was developed as a direct descendant of the world-renowned Saaz. The goal was to meet strict European "noble" standards—refined aroma with low bitterness—while adapting the plant to thrive in the unique terroir of the Southern Hemisphere. While it retains the low-cohumulone "DNA" of its Czech ancestors, the Australian environment has encouraged the plant to produce a significantly more vibrant oil profile. Since its release, it has become a cornerstone for brewers looking to create highly sessionable, refreshing ales and lagers. It is widely considered a "social" hop—engineered for maximum drinkability and subtle, elegant aromatics that don't overwhelm the palate.
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 / Tomahawk / Zeus (CTZ). This lineage makes Sun a genetic sibling to the famous Columbus / Tomahawk / Zeus (CTZ) 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.
Super Galena™ is a powerhouse "Super Alpha" variety released in 2006 by the Hopsteiner breeding program. Developed as a high-performance successor to the original Galena, it was engineered to deliver a more robust bitterness and significantly higher oil content without sacrificing the clean profile brewers love. This variety is an agricultural athlete, boasting higher yields and superior disease resistance—specifically against powdery mildew—compared to its predecessor. While it was initially bred to be a high-efficiency bittering agent for large-scale production, Super Galena™ surprised the craft industry with its sophisticated sensory edge. It is a vigorous, late-maturing plant that offers the modern brewer a reliable "workhorse" hop that can easily transition from a first-wort bittering addition to a high-impact late-kettle aromatic.
Sybilla is a premier Polish aroma variety that represents a sophisticated leap forward for traditional European brewing. Released in 1996, it was specifically bred at the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Puławy to bridge the gap between "Noble" heritage and modern agricultural resilience. Sybilla was born from a cross between the classic Polish Lubelski and a wild Yugoslavian male (likely a descendant of Savinjski Golding). This lineage grants Sybilla a prestigious European pedigree, allowing it to function as a high-performance replacement for Fuggle or Styrian Golding. It combines the delicate, spicy soul of Saaz-type hops with a more assertive aromatic intensity. As a cornerstone of Polish brewing, it is prized for its exceptional purity and its ability to add significant depth to both crisp, bottom-fermented Lagers and expressive, top-fermented Ales.
Tahoma is a versatile American aroma variety released in 2013 through a collaboration between Washington State University and the United States Department of Agriculture. Named after the historic Salish word for Mount Rainier, Tahoma was developed as a direct descendant of the popular Glacier variety. The goal of the breeding program was to create a more resilient, higher-yielding plant that offered a significantly higher alpha acid potential than its parent while retaining the sophisticated "Noble" soul of its ancestors. Since its release, Tahoma has become a favorite for brewers seeking a bridge between delicate European traditions and the bold fruitiness of the Pacific Northwest. It offers a unique combination of high-efficiency alpha and beta acids, providing a sturdy bittering foundation that remains remarkably clean. It is the definitive choice for sessionable styles where balance and "drinkability" are more important than sheer bitterness.
Taiheke® is a remarkable case study in how geography can redefine a hop’s genetic destiny. While it began its journey as the classic American Cascade, the first commercial release from the United States Department of Agriculture program in 1972, decades of cultivation in the pristine soils of New Zealand, by New Zealand Hops Ltd, have forged a variety that is entirely its own. Bred from Fuggle and a male likely carrying Serebrianka genetics, Taiheke® has been rebranded to honor its Māori heritage and its new home on the South Island. By absorbing the unique mineral qualities and intense UV light of New Zealand, Taiheke® has evolved into a "Super Cascade." It retains the reliable brewing backbone of its American ancestor but delivers a significantly more powerful, tropical aromatic punch. It serves as the definitive bridge between 1970s American hop history and the modern, fruit-forward innovation that has made New Zealand world-famous.
Talisman is a vintage American high-alpha variety that emerged from a pivotal era of agricultural science. Developed by the United States Department of Agriculture at the OSU East Farm, it was born from an open pollination of Late Cluster in 1959. Selected specifically for its elite resistance to downy mildew, Talisman was officially released in 1973 as the "next generation" replacement for the traditional Cluster hops that had dominated American brewing for a century. While it was initially a commercial hit, Talisman eventually fell out of favor in large-scale brewing blends due to what some brewers described as a "harsh aftertaste" when used in high concentrations. Today, it is no longer grown commercially, making it a true "ghost hop" of the Pacific Northwest. For the craft brewer or historical enthusiast, Talisman represents the missing link between the rustic, wild hops of early America and the high-efficiency, clean bittering varieties of the modern craft revolution.
Tangerine Dream® is a standout proprietary variety developed by the innovators at Monhopoly Hop Breeding in New Zealand. Formally identified in the breeding program as WTD 005, this hop was born from an inspired cross between a Cascade female and a select German male. The result is a prolific, high-vigor plant that thrives in the fertile soils of the Southern Hemisphere, absorbing the unique NZ terroir to transform its ancestral citrus into something far more exotic. This is a "new-wave" cultivar, precision-bred to meet the craft industry's obsession with high-oil, fruit-heavy aromatics. Tangerine Dream® is a specialist in biotransformation; its oils are uniquely suited to interact with active yeast to produce a "sticky-sweet" citrus character. For the brewer, it provides a professional-grade tool for achieving that elusive "juice-box" aroma that defines the modern craft movement.
Tango is a contemporary German masterpiece that represents the future of sustainable brewing. Developed at the Hop Research Center Hüll (originally known as experimental seedling 2011/02/04) and released in late 2020, it was engineered to meet two modern demands: high-impact aromatics and climate resilience. By crossing the legendary American Cascade with a German male derived from Hallertauer Tradition, Hüll researchers created a "Best of Both Worlds" cultivar. Tango possesses the deep, "Noble" roots of the Hallertau but is supercharged with the citrus-forward energy of the New World. Most importantly for the future of brewing, Tango is a "climate-tolerant" variety, requiring fewer resources and thriving in shifting weather conditions where traditional landrace hops might struggle.
Tettnanger (US) is a distinguished aroma hop with a fascinating—and somewhat mysterious—botanical identity. While it shares a name with the legendary German Noble variety, DNA profiling has revealed that the American version is actually a Swiss landrace cultivar. It arrived in the Pacific Northwest and carved out its own niche, proving to be more genetically related to the Fuggle lineage than the Tettnanger hops of the Hallertau. Since its introduction to American soil, Tettnanger (US) has become the ultimate "bridge" hop for craft brewers. It offers the refined, spicy elegance of European tradition combined with the rugged dependability of American-grown cultivars. It is a true dual-heritage hop: cleaner and more floral than its English cousins, yet sturdier and more reliable in the field than its German namesake.
Tillicum® is a high-performance American bittering hop that represents the evolution of Pacific Northwest breeding. Released in 1995 by the John I. Haas program, it was developed from a cross between the legendary Galena and a select Haas male. Its name, derived from Chinook Jargon meaning "people," "family," or "friends," reflects its deep roots in the Washington hop-growing community. As a sister variety to Chelan, Tillicum® was engineered to be a "Super-Galena." It offers the same rugged reliability as its parent but with higher alpha acid efficiency and superior storage stability. While it is a primary choice for commercial hop extracts, craft brewers have reclaimed Tillicum as a foundational bittering hop. It provides a clean, dependable bitterness that remains stable even in high-gravity beers with heavy malt profiles.
Topaz™ is a premier Australian dual-purpose variety that perfectly captures the bold, experimental spirit of Southern Hemisphere brewing. Developed in 1985 by Hop Products Australia and released in 1997, it was born from a cross between high-alpha Australian hops and genetics from Wye College in the United Kingdom. Originally, Topaz™ was a utilitarian variety, selected almost exclusively for high-alpha acid extract production. However, as the craft revolution took hold, brewers discovered a hidden secret: when treated with the respect of a late-addition hop, Topaz sheds its "workhorse" reputation to reveal a complex tapestry of exotic fruit. It is now celebrated as a dual-purpose powerhouse, providing the structural muscle needed for high-gravity brews and the vibrant aromatics required for modern, fruit-driven ales.
Triple Perle is a robust American reimagining of a classic European favorite. Released in 2013 by the United States Department of Agriculture program, it is a triploid seedling of the traditional German Perle and an unknown male parent. By utilizing "Triple" genetics (three sets of chromosomes), breeders created a plant that is significantly more vigorous, productive, and oil-rich than its ancestor while maintaining the refined "Noble" soul that brewers have loved for generations. This variety is a true dual-purpose workhorse for the modern brewhouse. It offers high enough alpha acids for efficient, clean bittering, alongside a complex aromatic profile that holds its own in late-kettle additions. It is the perfect choice for brewers who want the spicy, reliable foundation of a continental hop but with the added "pop" of a bright, New World citrus twist.
Triumph is a modern American masterpiece, released in 2019 by the United States Department of Agriculture public breeding program in Corvallis, Oregon. Though it hit the market recently, its journey began in 2001 as part of an effort to create a "super-noble" variety. Its pedigree is a literal "who’s who" of world-class genetics, weaving together a tapestry that includes Nugget, Brewer's Gold, East Kent Golding, and Hallertau. Because it is a public variety, Triumph represents a win for the craft community, offering a world-class, multi-functional hop that is accessible to every brewer. It serves as the ultimate bridge between the refined elegance of European landrace hops and the robust fruitiness of modern American cultivars. It has rapidly become the go-to choice for brewers looking to "modernize" traditional styles with a vibrant, fruit-forward twist while maintaining classic drinkability.
Warrior® is often called the "quiet professional" of the hop world. Developed by Yakima Chief Ranches, the same elite breeding program that gave us Simcoe®, it was released at the turn of the millennium to solve a specific problem: how to provide massive bittering efficiency without interfering with a beer’s delicate aromatics. While many high-alpha hops from that era were pungent and aggressive, Warrior was bred for neutrality. It allows brewers to build a rock-solid bittering foundation that remains firmly in the background. This provides the necessary structural "grip" for high-gravity beers, ensuring the expensive aroma hops added during the whirlpool or dry-hop can truly take center stage without being overshadowed by a "hop-burnt" finish.
Released in 1976 by the United States Department of Agriculture, Willamette is the definitive success story of American hop breeding and remains the master of earthy elegance. Named after the historic Oregon valley that has been a hub for hop viticulture since the mid-1800s, it was engineered to be the domestic successor to the English Fuggle. By crossing a Tetraploid Fuggle with a Fuggle seedling, researchers created a hop that retained the "Noble" soul of its British ancestor while thriving in the unique soils of the Pacific Northwest. For decades, Willamette was the most widely grown aroma hop in the United States, serving as the aromatic heart of the early American craft beer revolution. If you are looking for a "pillowy" aromatic depth that respects your malt bill, Willamette is the undisputed heavyweight, speaking with a refined, herbal whisper rather than the loud citrus of modern "C-Hops." The sensory experience is defined by a rich, multi-layered bouquet of fresh earth, damp cedar, and mild herbal spice, often accented by a soft floral sweetness and subtle notes of black pepper or elderberry. In the brewhouse, its low alpha acid and remarkably smooth bittering make it a versatile "all-rounder" and the secret to a perfectly balanced Pale Ale, robust Porter, or silky Stout. It provides a sophisticated finish that grounds the beer and complements the delicate flavors of specialty grains without the aggressive "bite" of high-alpha hybrids.
Released in 2013 by Washington State University, Yakima Gold is a masterfully bred "American-Noble" hybrid. Its name pays homage to the world-renowned Yakima Valley, where it was developed to combine the hardy, time-tested genetics of Early Cluster with the sophisticated aromatic heritage of Slovenian Styrian Golding. For the brewer, Yakima Gold represents the best of both worlds: the vigorous growth and high oil content of a Washington-grown hop, paired with the delicate, refined bitterness typically reserved for traditional European cultivars. It is a versatile "bridge" variety that brings Old World grace to the modern American brewhouse.
Zythos® isn't your average hop, it's a "greatest hits" compilation of the West Coast craft movement. Developed by Hopunion LLC (now Yakima Chief Hops) as a proprietary blend, Zythos was engineered specifically to take the guesswork out of brewing world-class IPAs. While most hops are single varieties, Zythos is a curated "IPA powerhouse" designed for consistency and depth. For the homebrewer, it's a versatile tool that offers a bold punch of grapefruit and tangerine alongside tropical notes of pineapple. With a high enough alpha acid content to provide a clean bittering base, it’s a true dual-purpose blend that ensures your brew is as aromatic as it is balanced. Hop blending is similar to wine blending in which the sum of the parts can be more/different than the individual parts.