Items found matching the tag "galena"
Aquila was bred in Washington, Oregon and Idaho in 3-acre trials in 1987 by United States Department of Agriculture. Eventually released commercially in 1994 after trials. Anheuser Busch showed interest and Washington in increased to 100 acres to allow for evaluation. Aquila was open-pollinated from Brewer's Gold. Aquila hasn't worked out as a commercial hop due to high cohumulone content and subpar storage stability. Discontinued in 1996 after Anheuser Busch lost interest.
Bitter Gold was released in 1999 and has lineage linked to Brewer's Gold, Bullion, Comet and Fuggle. Higher alpha acids than any of its parents as well as when compared to Galena or Nugget, which are considered close substitutes. Mild profile when used as a bittering addition but shines in later additions, delivering stone and tropic fruit flavors.
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.
Newport was bred by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in 1994, to find a mildew resistant replacement for Galena. Parentage of Magnum and USDA 58111M, finally commercially released in 2002. USDA 5811M pedigree of Magnum, Brewer's Gold, Late Grape, Belgium #31, Fuggle and unknown variety.
Norther Brewer (GR) is the same hop grown in England. The growing conditions in Germany make the hop slightly varied in profile.
Norther Brewer is a great bittering hop that is the base of many beer. It is a cross of a Native American varietal and Northern Brewer, the resulting hop is genetically distinct from the English parent.
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.
Olympic is bred from Brewer's Gold, Fuggle, East Kent Golding, Bavarian, and a fifth unknown varietal. It was released sometime in the mid 1980s.
Pacific Gem™ was commercially released in 1987, it is a triploid of Fuggle, Cluster, and Smoothcone. It was bred at New Zealand's HortResearch Institute.
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.
Pride of Ringwood is the definitive heritage hop of Australia, responsible for the iconic, refreshing bitterness found in the continent's most famous lagers and ales. Developed by Bill Nash at the Ringwood Hop Research Station in the 1950s and released commercially in 1965, it was bred from a Pride of Kent female and a wild Tasmanian male. At the time of its release, it was the highest alpha-acid hop in the world, specifically engineered to thrive in the harsh, sun-drenched Australian climate. While its dominance has shifted from 90% of national acreage to less than 10% due to the rise of modern "flavor" hops, it remains the undisputed choice for brewers seeking a sharp, authentic, and unmistakably Australian character. The sensory profile of Pride of Ringwood is bold, rustic, and unpretentiously "Aussie." It is prized primarily for an assertive, clean bitterness that provides the structural backbone for crisp, malt-forward beers. Its aromatic bouquet is dominated by earthy and herbal notes, with distinct undertones of cedar, oak, and resinous pine. When used in the late boil, it can contribute a rugged, spicy floral quality and subtle citrus hints that are more robust than traditional European noble varieties. Because of its unique oil composition and high alpha efficiency, Pride of Ringwood delivers a crisp, lingering finish that is the hallmark of a classic "thirst-quencher."
Rubin is a robust Czech hop that represents a successful marriage of high-alpha efficiency and traditional "Noble" character. Registered in 2007 by the Žatec Hop Research Institute, it was specifically bred from a lineage including Saaz and Northern Brewer to meet the needs of modern brewing without sacrificing aromatic quality. Its name, meaning "Ruby," refers to the striking reddish hue of its bines, a characteristic visual marker in the hop gardens of Bohemia. While technically classified for its bittering potential, Rubin is increasingly recognized as a versatile dual-purpose variety, offering a cleaner and more sophisticated profile than many traditional high-alpha cultivars. The sensory profile of Rubin is defined by a firm, assertive bitterness complemented by a ruggedly elegant spicy character. It leads with a primary, "continental" bouquet of earthy spice and sun-dried wood, followed by subtle secondary notes of wild herbs and a hint of dark tea. As the profile develops, brewers will find a "wilder" and more intense version of the classic Saaz spiciness, providing a bitterness that is substantial yet refined. Because of its complex oil composition and Saaz-influenced genome, Rubin delivers a long, pleasant finish that integrates perfectly into heavy-bodied lagers and malt-forward ales, making it the definitive choice for a high-performance base with a genuine Bohemian soul.
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.
Smoothcone is a foundational pillar of the New Zealand hop industry, representing a major turning point for Southern Hemisphere breeding at the Riwaka Research Station. Developed in the 1960s as a tetraploid variety from an open-pollination of California Cluster, it was engineered to provide growers with a hardy, high-yielding cultivar. While it is no longer grown commercially, its legacy lives on as a critical breeding block for modern legends like Green Bullet™, SuperAlpha, and Alpharoma. As the "sister" to First Choice, Smoothcone's agricultural resilience established the clean, consistent bittering standards that paved the way for the "New World" hop revolution. The sensory profile is defined by a rugged, old-school herbal character and a firm, traditional bitterness. It leads with a primary, "mid-century" bouquet of fresh-cut hay, dried earth, and sweet resins, followed by a subtle, spicy woodiness reminiscent of its Cluster ancestry. As the profile develops, brewers will find muted floral undertones and a hint of dark fruit. Because of its steady oil composition and classic chemical structure, Smoothcone delivers a punchy, lingering bitterness that provides an excellent structural backbone for malt-forward styles, making it the definitive choice for brewers seeking a reliable and nostalgic Southern Hemisphere character.
Southern Star is a premier dual-purpose hop that defines the robust and resilient nature of the South African hop industry. Released in 2001, it was engineered specifically to handle South Africa’s shorter growing seasons. Bred from a cross between the high-alpha Outeniqua and a South African male (OF2/93), it represents a bridge between high-intensity bittering and refined European aromatics. As a "short-day" variety adapted to the Southern Hemisphere, Southern Star offers a level of agricultural consistency that is rare among high-alpha cultivars. It is a versatile powerhouse, prized by brewers for its exceptionally clean and crisp bittering quality. Whether anchoring a light lager or providing the backbone for a hearty stout, it offers a steady, traditional presence that can handle the toughest brewing conditions.
Sticklebract is a foundational pillar of the New Zealand hop industry, a variety that defines the rugged and resinous side of Southern Hemisphere brewing. Released in 1972 by the DSIR Research Station, Sticklebract was the result of a critical breeding program designed to combat the Black Root Rot that devastated local crops in the 1960s. Derived from the heritage variety First Choice, it was initially bred for high-alpha bittering efficiency. However, Sticklebract proved to be far more than a simple workhorse. It inherited a robust agricultural spirit and a complex chemical makeup that delivers a bold, unmistakable character. It remains an essential choice for brewers seeking a reliable, versatile hop that can anchor the bitterness of a heavy stout while providing the aromatic depth needed for modern, hop-forward ales.
Sultana™ is a high-performance American variety that truly lives up to its "larger-than-life" reputation. Bred in 2006 by the Hopsteiner program, this variety was born from a powerhouse lineage: 50% Nugget, 25% Columbus / Tomahawk / Zeus (CTZ), and 25% USDA 19058m. After ten years of rigorous evaluation, it was originally released under the name Denali, before being renamed Sultana™™ as a tribute to the massive, majestic peak in the Alaska Range. Known affectionately by some growers as "Nuggetzilla," Sultana™ is famous in the field for its giant, resin-heavy cones and aggressive vertical growth. For the brewer, it represents the pinnacle of "Super Alpha" hops—offering a staggering essential oil content that delivers a saturated, fruit-forward intensity that few other varieties can match.
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.
Super Pride is the definitive powerhouse of the Australian hop industry, engineered for maximum efficiency and clean bittering performance. Bred in 1987 at the Rostrevor Breeding Garden in Victoria by HPA, it was officially released in 1998 as the modern evolution of the iconic Pride of Ringwood. It is a sophisticated cross between a female tetraploid Pride of Ringwood and a male Yeoman derivative (YK-81-18). By merging classic Australian heritage with high-alpha breeding lines, researchers created a variety that possesses a significantly higher resin content while maintaining the rugged agricultural heartiness of its ancestors. Super Pride is now a dominant force in Southern Hemisphere brewing, valued for its massive bittering potential and its central role in defining the crisp, refreshing character of the world's most famous Australian lagers and sparkling ales.
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.
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.
Toyomidori is a vintage high-alpha variety from Japan, released in 1990 by the Kirin Brewery Hop Research Farm. Bred in 1981, it was developed as a robust cross between the legendary Northern Brewer and a wild American male (USDA 64103M). Toyomidori was engineered to be the heavy-hitting bittering foundation for Japan’s iconic crisp lagers, providing high-efficiency alpha acids for large-scale production. While its commercial cultivation in Japan eventually declined due to a high sensitivity to downy mildew, Toyomidori’s DNA lives on in the modern "juice" revolution. It is the direct genetic parent of the tropical powerhouse Azacca™, proving that even a "workhorse" bittering hop can pass on incredible aromatic potential to the next generation. For brewers, it represents a classic era of Japanese hop science that paved the way for the modern craft movement.
While modern IPAs are defined by tropical fruit, Yakima Cluster is the hop that built the American brewing industry. A specific clonal selection (USDA 65102) of the oldest hop lineage in the United States, this variety was refined in the 1950s by the Prosser Research Center. It was engineered specifically to thrive in the sun-drenched, irrigated soils of Washington’s Yakima Valley—a terroir so specific that this hop struggles to grow in the more humid climates of Idaho or the Willamette Valley. For the brewer, Yakima Cluster is a "living artifact." It represents the missing link between the wild hops of the early American frontier and the precision of modern agriculture. It remains the "gold standard" for anyone looking to brew a truly authentic, historical American ale or lager. Similar to Early Cluster and non-distinguishable from other hops in the Cluster family, it is usually just called "Cluster".