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.

CTZ stands for Columbus, Tomahawk, Zeus Once thought to be separate varieties, however evidence now suggests that they are genetically similar if not identical hops. Thus these high alpha varieties can be used interchangeably…

CTZ stands for Columbus, Tomahawk, Zeus Once thought to be separate varieties, however evidence now suggests that they are genetically similar if not identical hops. Thus these high alpha varieties can be used interchangeably…

Zeus is a high yielding hop with a pleasant aroma, and is described by some has having a pungent kick, but what else would you expect of a hop named for a god of thunder and lightning? It is on the commercial market, but usually all tied up by S.S. Steiner. It has also been valuable for breeding. Father of Apollo (in case you couldn’t guess).

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.

Wild Manitoba BB1 x OR (open pollinated)

Centennial Hops is at times referred to as a Super Cascade, but it doesn’t have the as much of the citrusy characteristics of the Cascades. Centennial is a much celebrated hop in its versatility. With its depth of bitterness along with a forward aroma, the two balance each other out beautifully. With its alpha acid content of 9.5-11.5%, it is well suited to Pale Ales and IPAs. Floral in both flavor and aroma, these notes are prevalent in the beers into which they are brewed. Centennial has had its ups and downs in the industry, and is now experiencing a return to popularity.

Chinook Hops with its 12-14% alpha acid profile is great for either the beginning of the boil or in the middle. Not only a natural for American-style Pale Ale and IPAs, but it is find its way into seasonal ales, barley wine, and some porters and stouts. This hop has a piney, spicy bouquet such as Juniper might contribute. It is very aromatic with the pine very evident in a fresh batch. Featured alone in Stone’s Arrogant Bastard and along with Cascade and Centennial in Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale, which is famous for its piney, citrusy character.

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.

CTZ stands for Columbus, Tomahawk, Zeus Once thought to be separate varieties, however evidence now suggests that they are genetically similar if not identical hops. Thus these high alpha varieties can be used interchangeably…

Columbus is under private license and production to HopUnion USA. Its lineage is a bit confused due to two different claims to it, and its parentage has not been disclosed. The important thing, though is its punched up hoppiness and deep, pensive aroma with understated citrus notes—perfect as a dual use hop. Its oils are moderate and balanced, and its alpha acid content is 14-16%. It is usually used in the late boil, and, when fresh, it has an herbal flavor with a lemon citrus backnote. It doesn’t have particularly good storage stability (50-60% after 6 months), but since it is used widely in American-style ales, it probably doesn’t need more than that.