ALL GRAIN BEER

Millennium, as you might expect, was released in 2000. Bred from Nugget and Columbus, it was with the purpose of producing greater disease resistance and storage stability to replace some of the older hops, so popular with U.S. breweries, but which have poor storability. It also has higher alpha acids and higher cone production per acre yield than many other, more popular varieties. It works well for American-style ales.

American Cascades are extremely popular in the U.S., representing nearly 10% of the U.S. hops grown. They have an excellent vigor and yield. It has a wonderful citrusy-spicy aroma and can be used in any ales and lagers, particularly as American Pale Ales in the U.S. Its poor storage stability has made it popular for major U.S. breweries whose production volume is huge and the product moves quite quickly. The Cascades were developed from Open Pollination, Fuggle Hops, and the Russian Serebrianka.

Despite its relatively low yield, Crystal is a fairly popular hop due to its fabulous aroma profile which is woodsy and green, floral and fruity, and has herb and spice notes (cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper) as well. It is extremely versatile and is even used in IPAs and Bitters, despite its low average alpha acid content of 5%, because of its aromatic capabilities. It has an interesting lineage going all the way back to Hallertau, with Cascade, Brewer’s Gold, and Early Green. It’s used in a great variety of beers and ales, from RogueBrutal Bitters to Mountain Sun’s Belgian Dip Chocolate Stout.

Newport is an offspring of Hallertauer Magnum, and was successfully bred for mildew resistance. Fairly new on the block (2002), it carries an average alpha acid content of 16% combined with an alpha/beta ratio of 2:1. It has excellent high myrcene content, but an average cohumulone of, at times, 37% can make it a bit off-putting. It has wine-like flavors, but usually rather balsamic. It really helped save the Northwest U.S. hops production when mildew threatened many hops varieties. It is mostly used early in the boil for its bittering properties.

Nugget’s super alpha acid content, low beta and low cohumulone percentages give it an excellent bittering kick popular in IPAs, Imperials, and other super hoppy brews. Daughter of Brewer’s Gold and mother of Millennium, Nugget’s popularity grew quickly. From release in 1982, by 1987 it was producing 14% of the Northwest’s hops. It’s high myrcene content plus the high alpha content results in a green, herbal aroma. Nugget is a preferred choice of hop-loving brewers all across the U.S. and has gained popularity in Europe.