Items found matching the tag "spicy"
Adeena® was bred by Latitude 46 with parentage from a mother of Summit™ and a father of ADHA 34/95/57. The herbal and spicy flavor lends to lagers, pilsners and light styles of beer. While the hints of lemon and floral create a unique bouquet for said styles.
Ahil was bred from Brewer's Gold (female) and a Yugoslavian wild male (3/3M). The acreage is limited in Slovenia as the preferance is for Styrian Golding as Ahil was received by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1972 and labeled "Superstrian" hops along with Apolon, Atlas, and Aurora. This created confusion in the hop trade as this implies the hop is Fuggle based and it is not.
Akoya™ was bred by Hopsteiner Breeding Program and is cross between Zenith and a Hopsteiner male. Akoya™ is a classic aroma hop based on its herbal and spice profile.
Apolon was bred at the Hop Research Institute in Zalec Slovenia in the 1970s by Dr. Tone Wagner, from Brewer's Gold and an unknown Yugoslavian male. It was bred to with intent to raise the alpha acids while keeping "old world" hop profile. Along with sisters Ahil and Atlas, and close relative Aurora, Apolon was released as a Super Styrian hop. This meant that it should have Fuggle type hop heritage, but it didn't. This created to confusion, leading eventually to very low acreage allotment. Not to be confused with Apollo™
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.
Aramis is the first variety from the Comptoir Agricole breeding program in France, bred in 2002. Aramis comes from a breed of Strisselspalt and Whitebread Golding. It was bred to create Strisselspalt character hop with increased and stable bitter potential.
Aurora was brad from Northern Brewer and Yugoslavian male at the Hop Research Institute in Zalec, Yugoslavia. Released in the 1970s. Along with Ahil, Apolon, and Atlas make up the Super Styrian hops similar to Styrian Golding. Unfortunately, all of these hops had higher alpha and different aroma properties as compared to Styrian Golding since they were not bred from Fuggle like hops.
Aztec™ was bred by Great Lakes Hops. The Neomexicana hop has superior growth, disease resistance and aromatic qualities.
Bohemie was bred by Hop Research Institute in Žatec, Czechia with heritage of Sládek mother and unknown variety derived from Saaz. Released in 2010 with a goal of providing "noble" characteristics while increasing yield, concentrating oil profile, and increasing disease resistance. Even though it is tougher than Saaz in wet/humid climates it needs a watchful eye. Considered more of an aroma hop based on noble heritage, it carries bolder aromatics compared to Saaz with higher alpha acid content that allows it to be used for bittering.
Boomerang was bred by the Hop Research Institute in Žatec, Czech Republic from Agnus (the first high alpha Czech hop variety) in 2017. Considered a "powerhose" due to high bitterness and intense spiciness.
Developed and bred at Wye College by Professor Salmon, Bramling Cross is a cross between Bramling and Manitoban (a wild Canadian hop). It was released in 1951. Referred to as an English hop with an American aroma. Large quantities brings out the fruitiness in the Bramling Cross.
Cascade was released in 1972 by the United States Department of Agriculture in Oregen, it is named for the Northwest mountain range. Primarily developed at Oregon State University East Farm in Corvallis. Cascade is a cross between Fuggle and Serebrianka (Russia) and open pollinated in 1955. Cascade is the first superstar of American hops and paved the way for bold hops in today's brewing scene. The ratio of alpha to beta acids is similar to European aroma hops.
Godiva™ was developed by Charles Faram Ltd and it an aroma hop. A smooth bitterness does make it good as an early kettle addition too. Selected for yield, disease resistance and aroma, Godiva™ is a daughter of Jester™.
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.
Hallertau has lineage back over 100 years. Great for German beers as well as Belgian ales. An original noble hop. Susceptible to disease, it has been the center of many offspring.
Hallertauer Taurus was bred in Hüll, Germany and released in 1995 at the Hop Research Center. This is a high alpha acid variety with a clean and crisp bitterness.
Hallertauer Tradition is a German hop that is great for German style beers. Originally bred because of it's resistance to disease at the Hüll Hop Research Institute in Germany in 1993. Heritage of Hallertau, Saaz and unknown varieties.
Helga has lineage from Hallertau, bred in 1986, by Hop Products Australia, with similar characteristics as Hallertau. Helga was commercially released in 1996 but took 10 years to gain traction.
Hersbrucker represents a large acreage in Germany, named for the region in which it is primarily grown (also in the Hallertau region) as it replaced the traditional Hallertau since it is more disease resistant. Acreage peaked in the 70s and 80s.
Hokitika® is of European origin but was first grown in New Zealand in 1882. The hop originated from a hop garden that was started in the 1880's by the brewery principal, WCJ Kortegast, at Kortegast's Brewery at Gibson Quay, on the Hokitika River. Those gardens had been growing wildly for 136 years.
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.
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.
Liberty is an American hop with German heritage; bred to resemble Hallertau, therefore it is primarily used for aroma. Development began in 1983 by the United States Department of Agriculture program in Corvallis, Oregon before commercial release in 1991.
Mellow Yellow® was bred by Wild About Hops from Hersbrucker seed brought over by German immigrants. The gentle and subtle profile lend to the hops name: Mellow Yellow.
Millennium was released in the year 2000, thus the name, as a high alpha breed. A Nugget descendant that carries similar characteristics, as well as to Columbus / Tomahawk / Zeus (CTZ), bred for its disease resistance. Mainly used for bittering but gaining interest as an aroma hop as well.
Minstrel® was bred at Charles Faram in the United Kingdom, it has pedigree from Sovereign, dwarf and was planted in 2006, commercially released in 2012. As of 2020, Charles Faram stopped growing commercially due to challenges with its agronomy.
Moutere™ is bred from Southern Cross™ and a New Zealand male and released in 2015. Developed at New Zealands's Plant & Food Research Center. Moutere™ is a high alpha acid hop with tropical, grapefruit and passion fruit. Pronounced "Mow-terry".
Northdown was bred at Wye College in Kent, England as higher alpha acid alternative to the hops of the time (1970s). A result of breeding Northern Brewer and an unknown German varietal.
Norther Brewer (GR) is the same hop grown in England. The growing conditions in Germany make the hop slightly varied in profile.
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.
Pacifica™ has German lineage. Bred by HortResearch in New Zealand it was released commercially in 1994. Open breeding of Hallertau and is mostly known for its aroma qualities.
Paradigm™ was developed by Great Lakes Hops. The hops shines in late kettle additions to let the flavor and aroma come through.
The same as the German Perle but with a higher alpha content.
Phoenix is a high alpha varietal that performs well early in the boil. Bred at Wye College in Kent, England, it is an offspring of Yeoman. A replacement to Challenger as is more resistant to disease, but could not fulfill on that promise due to low yields and slow growth. Phoenix is considered a dual hop but typically used early in the boil for its clean bittering qualities. As a late addition it tends to be disappointing as it is mellow.
Bred at Wye College in Kent, England, with parents of First Gold and Herald. Pilgrim was released commercially in 2001. It is one of the most wilt resistant hops out today.
Record originated in Belgium pre-1970, it was bred from open pollination of Northern Brewer and Saaz. Aroma characteristics are similar to Northern Brewer. Hop is grown commercially in Belgium and Germany.
United States version of Saaz was started from a Czechoslovakian Saaz seedling which was received by United States Department of Agriculture in 1973. Difficult to grow and a low yield. Saaz (US) is expected to be related to Hersbrucker and Spalt.
Saphir contains one of the lowest alpha acid contents in the world, therefore it is always used as an aroma hop. A German release in 2000 it contains a fruity profile, unlike many German hop varietals. Saphir was bred at the Hop Research Center in Hüll, Germany. Similar to much of the hop breeding in Germany it was sought as a substitute to Hallertau to be more disease resistant.
Sládek has parentage from a cross between Saaz and Northern Brewer. Sládek means "brewer". Initially registered in 1987, named changed to Sládek in 1994. Bred to be a sturdier version of Saaz. A mother hop to Bohemie. Bred by Hop Research Institute in Žatec, Czechia. Good balance of bitterness and aroma that fits perfectly for lagers.
Grown in the Spalt region of Germany, Spalt is a natural hop and has a mild and pleasant character. Part of the Saaz family. A classic hop for German style beers. Due to Spalt being a natural hop, this hop may date back as far back as 8th century. It was the first hop granted the German hop seal in the 16th century.
Spalter Select is a more disease resistant version and replacement for Spalt released in 1993. It was bred in Hull, Germany and is a cross between Splat and Hallertau. Spalter Select was released in 1991 by the Hop Research Center of Hull.
Sterling was bred by United States Department of Agriculture in 1990, released in 1998. Sterling is typically considered an aroma hop but may be used for bittering. It was cultivated to be a replacement for Saaz due to unreliable availability. The hop is a bit of a mutt (or you could say complex) with heritage from Saaz (50%), Cascade (25%), Brewer's Gold, Early Green as well as other Eurpean varieties.
Styrian Aurora is a diploid that is a cross between Northern Brewer and a Yugoslavian male. It was bred in the 1970s by the Hop Research Institute. An early maturer, Styrian Aurora is typically ready for harvest in late August.
Summit™ is a semi-dwarf, bred from Zeus, Nugget and gaggle of males in Washington, USA, making the lineage complex. Released in 2003 by American Dwarf Hop Association, renamed to Latitude 46. Super high alpha acid content makes this hop great for bittering. Aromatics star when used as a dry hop.
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.
Tardif de Bourgogne is a rare heritage landrace that serves as a living link to the pre-industrial hop gardens of France. While its exact pedigree remains a mystery, it is widely accepted as a clonal French landrace—a "Late of Burgundy" variety that adapted over centuries to the specific climate of Eastern France. Though the United States Department of Agriculture received samples from Poland in 1977, the hop’s heart remains in the Alsace and Burgundy regions, where it was once the primary choice for farmhouse brewers before the rise of Strisselspalt. Because it is an authentic landrace, Tardif de Bourgogne hasn't been "smoothed over" by modern laboratory breeding. It retains a hardy, rustic character and a deep genetic affinity for the traditional Bière de Garde and Saison styles. For the brewer seeking historical accuracy, this hop offers a regional specificity and "Old World" soul that modern hybrids simply cannot touch.
Tettnanger is one of the four original "Noble Hops" of Europe, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Saaz, Spalt, and Hallertauer. Named after the town of Tettnang in Southern Germany, this landrace variety has a pedigree that can be traced back to 1844, with some records suggesting its cultivation in the Lake Constance region as early as 1150. Unlike modern high-alpha hybrids, Tettnanger is a product of its environment. It has evolved in perfect harmony with the unique soil and microclimate of its home district, creating a delicate chemical profile that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere. While there are US, Australian, and Swiss versions of this hop, the German original remains the definitive cornerstone of traditional European brewing. It offers a level of sophisticated elegance that defines the classic profiles of world-class Pilsners and Lagers.
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.
Tolhurst is a fascinating heritage variety that offers a direct window into the hop gardens of 1880s Kent. Discovered by James Tolhurst in Horsmonden, England, it was initially a commercial powerhouse. In an era where disease could wipe out entire harvests, Tolhurst was a "survivor," praised for its vigorous growth and resilience compared to the more delicate varieties of the late 19th century. While it eventually fell out of favor due to poor storage stability and lower yields compared to modern hybrids, Tolhurst remains a cornerstone of brewing history. It is a direct selection from the Fuggle lineage, serving as a more rustic and robust alternative to its famous parent. For the historical brewer, it provides a rare opportunity to recreate an authentic 19th-century Ale with a hop that truly defines the "utility" character of the Victorian period.
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.
Tropadelic® is a proprietary New Zealand standout developed by the innovative breeders at Wild About Hops. Positioned as a versatile "New Breed" cultivar, it was specifically selected for its ability to thrive in the unique maritime climate of New Zealand while producing a heavy, oil-rich crop of aromatic cones. Unlike many of the high-alpha heavyweights from the region, Tropadelic was bred with a focus on aromatic finesse over sheer bittering power. This makes it a refreshing alternative for brewers who want the "New World" tropical punch without the aggressive resinous bite. Because of its manageable alpha acid content and high aromatic potential, it has rapidly become a favorite for modern "session" IPAs and summer-style ales where drinkability is just as important as impact.
Ultra is a sophisticated, American-bred aroma hop that serves as a bridge between the legendary hop yards of Europe and the modern American grower. Released in 1995 as part of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiative, Ultra was engineered to be the ultimate "Noble" replacement. It is a triploid variety—meaning it has three sets of chromosomes—which gives it a more robust growth habit and higher oil potential than many of its ancestors. Its pedigree is a "Who's Who" of European royalty, featuring a direct cross between Hallertau, Saaz, and a third unknown hop. This genetic blend allows Ultra to capture the refined, aristocratic essence of continental hops while offering the agricultural resilience needed to resist pests and diseases that often plague imported varieties. For the brewer, it represents a perfect marriage: Old World elegance met with New World reliability.
Universal is a heritage variety with a cinematic history, serving as a vital bridge between Old World tradition and the American craft movement. Developed at the world-renowned Hop Research Institute in Žatec, Czechoslovakia, it was originally bred to be a robust successor to the classic Saaz. However, in a strange twist of fate, it was officially delisted and abandoned by commercial growers in its homeland in 1991. While it vanished from European soil, Universal found a second life in the United States. Since 1988, it has been cultivated in the Pacific Northwest, where it transformed from a forgotten experiment into a "darling" of the 1990s craft scene. Brewers celebrate it as a "Super-Noble" hop: a variety that preserves the elegant, aristocratic characteristics of a classic Czech landrace but possesses the agricultural muscle to thrive in the rugged soils of the American West.
Vanguard represents the final chapter in the United States Department of Agriculture's ambitious mission to domesticate the classic "Noble" character of European landrace hops. Bred in 1982 and officially released in 1997, it is a direct descendant of Hallertau Mittelfrüh. It was engineered to provide American growers with a hearty, disease-resistant plant that could finally go toe-to-toe with the world's most famous German lager hops. What makes Vanguard a true outlier in the hop yard is its unusual chemical fingerprint. It is one of the rare varieties that features low alpha acids but high beta acids. This rare balance, combined with exceptional storage stability, makes it a reliable and sophisticated choice for brewers who demand traditional, clean-finishing European styles without the logistical headache of importing delicate overseas flowers.
Vital is a cutting-edge Czech variety that represents a fascinating shift in modern hop breeding. Developed at the Hop Research Institute in Žatec (the home of Saaz) and released in 2008, Vital was originally bred for pharmaceutical purposes. Its mission was to maximize the concentration of specific antioxidants and "healthy" hop compounds like Xanthohumol and DMX. Bred from a lineage involving Agnus, Vital was registered as a "biomedical" hop due to its incredible anti-oxidative stability. For the brewer, this translates to a beer that stays "fresher" for longer. While it offers the high-alpha bittering efficiency of a modern hybrid, it retains the refined European soul of its Czech heritage. It is the perfect choice for those who want the muscle of a bittering hop without losing the delicate prestige synonymous with the Žatec region.
Waimea™ is a high-alpha force of nature, released in 2012 by the New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research. It was originally bred to meet the growing demand for efficient bittering hops that didn’t sacrifice aromatic soul. Its lineage is an impressive "greatest hits" of brewing history, pulling genetic traits from Saaz, Fuggle, and California Late Cluster. Despite its "big beer" reputation and alpha acid levels that can soar up to 19%, Waimea is far from a blunt instrument. It was engineered with exceptionally low cohumulone levels, ensuring that its massive bittering potential remains smooth and clean rather than harsh. This unique balance has made it a favorite for brewers who need the sheer muscle for a 60-minute boil but want the sophisticated, fruit-forward nuance required for a world-class dry hop.
Wakatu™ is a fascinating New Zealand triploid variety that serves as a bridge between European tradition and Southern Hemisphere flair. Developed by the HortResearch, New Zaelands's Hop Research Program and released in 1988, it was originally known as "Hallertau Aroma." This name was no accident: it was bred directly from the legendary German Hallertau Mittelfrüh. In 2011, it was rebranded as Wakatu (the Māori name for the Nelson region) to better reflect its unique terroir. What makes Wakatu special is its genetic makeup. While it retains the refined, floral DNA of its German ancestry, the New Zealand landscape has infused it with a vibrant, citrus-forward personality. It is celebrated by growers and brewers alike as a reliable "all-rounder" because of its exceptional flavor stability, ensuring that the bright lime character you smell on brew day actually survives into the finished pint.
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.
Hailing from the historic growing regions of Southwest Germany, Wuerttemberger is an ancient landrace variety that once stood alongside Saaz and Tettnanger as a pillar of European brewing. Though it is no longer produced on a commercial scale, it remains a "holy grail" for heritage brewers. As a landrace hop, Wuerttemberger wasn't bred in a lab; it evolved naturally over centuries to suit the German climate, resulting in a "Noble" profile that is purely a product of its terroir. It is a delicate, low-alpha variety that prioritizes aromatic grace over raw bittering power—a true liquid artifact for those seeking to recreate the original German lagers of the past.
Bred at the legendary Wye College in 1968 and released to the public in 1973, Wye Viking was engineered for strength. A sister to Wye Saxon and a grandchild of the iconic Bramling Cross, Viking was developed to provide British growers with a high-alpha variety that could stand up to the agricultural threat of Verticillium wilt. While it was built to be a high-efficiency bittering workhorse for commercial breweries, Viking never lost its refined English soul. It represents a pivot point in British brewing history—moving toward higher alpha acid concentrations while maintaining the classic, earthy pedigree that defines the UK’s most famous ales.
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".
Developed at the prestigious Wye College in the 1970s and released in the early 1980s, Yeoman was bred to be the "Super-Alpha" powerhouse of its era. Designed as a more robust successor to the Target variety, it provided commercial brewers with unmatched bittering efficiency without sacrificing the soul of English hop character. While Yeoman is no longer available for commercial purchase, its impact remains. It was a vital genetic stepping stone, used to breed the disease-resistant and high-yielding hops that modern homebrewers rely on today. For decades, it stood as the gold standard for British bittering, offering a sturdy, clean foundation that allowed the complex malts of traditional ales to take center stage.
Zappa™ is named after the avant-garde rock legend Frank Zappa, this hop is just as eclectic and non-conformist as its namesake. Unlike the vast majority of hops that trace their roots back to Europe, Zappa is a native North American variety belonging to the neomexicanus subspecies. Discovered growing wild in the mountains of New Mexico and brought to the world by CLS Farms, it represents a genetically distinct "wildness" that evolved independently of traditional brewing varieties. For the homebrewer, Zappa is the ultimate tool for experimental expression. It breaks every "rule" in the book, offering a flavor profile that shifts and evolves with every sip. It’s a favorite for those looking to push the boundaries of what a hop can be, bridging the gap between tropical fruit sweetness and savory, "funky" complexity.
Born in 1976 at the renowned Hop Research Institute in Žatec, Czech Repulic, Zlatan is more than just a Saaz derivative—it is a masterclass in agricultural refinement. While the legendary Saaz hop is prized for its flavor, it is notoriously difficult to grow. Zlatan was developed through rigorous clonal selection to bridge that gap, offering brewers the same sophisticated "Noble" pedigree but with the added benefit of modern crop resilience and improved yields. For the homebrewer, Zlatan is the secret to an authentic Bohemian Pilsner. It carries a refined, "soft" bitterness that never overstays its welcome on the palate. The aromatic profile is pure elegance: expect a fragrant tapestry of herbal tea, delicate spring florals, and that signature spicy-earthy snap that defines the finest European lagers. It is the perfect choice for those who want a traditional Czech character with a cleaner, more reliable finish.