ALL GRAIN BEER

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.

Yakima Valley bred Ahtanum is sweet and peppery with a piney-citrus aspect. Warmly aromatic and moderately bittering, Ahtanum is a hop of distinction. It is often likened to Cascade, although it makes more sense to say that Cascade is a good substitute. Ahtanum is less bitter, its alpha acids are lower, and its grapefruit essence is much more pronounced than Cascade’s. It really is more akin to Willamette, with Willamette’s note being more lemon than grapefruit. Ahtanum’s distinct citrus character has led to it being used as the singular hop in Dogfish Head’s Blood Orange Heffeweisen and Stone Brewing’s Pale Ale.