Christopher Munsey, Certified Cicerone and expert on all foods fermented leads lectures and events on beer and beer and food pairing in Brooklyn and Manhattan. He loves the history and tradition behind his favorite malt-based beverage and is continually striving to find delicious pairings. Please e-mail brooklynbeergeek@gmail.com for more information on upcoming events or if you would like to schedule a private event.
Nugget is a high alpha variety released in 1983 from the U.S.D.A. breeding program in Oregon. It is characterized by a mild herbal aroma, a low proportion of cohumulone, and good storage stability. It is used by brewers both for bittering and for its aroma profile. Nugget is one of the most widely grown varieties in Oregon and also has significant acreage in Washington State.
Horizon is a half-sister to Nugget. It is generally considered a dual purpose hop with medium alpha and good aroma. Horizon has a pungent, powerful aroma of resin/candy and citrus with some spicy, peppery notes. It’s low cohumulone results in a clean tasting beer.
Glacier is a dual-purpose hop with well balanced bittering properties and a pleasant aroma profile. It was released in 2000 from the Washington State University breeding program. It is commonly used in beer styles such as Pale Ale, ESB, Bitter, English-Style Pale Ale, Porter, and Stout.
Galena is a high alpha variety that was developed in the Idaho state breeding program in 1978. It has balanced bittering properties combined with an agreeable aroma profile. Galena’s storage stability is excellent. It has often used in both English and American-style Ales.
Crystal is a triploid variety that was bred by U.S.D.A. from Hallertau mf, Cascade, Northern Brewer, and Early Green. It is perceived as the most pungent of the triploid Hallertau family of hops, and is increasingly popular among U.S. craft brewers. It is a versatile variety that is used in Pilsners and Lagers, as well as in ESB’s and American and Belgian-style Ales. Crystal is primarily grown in Oregon.
These three super high alpha varieties are often grouped together and referred to as CT Z. Each of these varieties has alpha acid content of between 14.5-16.5% and share the same female parent as Nugget. Originally bred for their high alpha value, they have also become popular for their oil profile.
Citra is an aroma variety that was released in 2007 by Hop Breeding Co. Ltd., a joint venture between John I. Haas, Inc. and Yakima Chief Inc. Citra has fairly high alpha acids and total oils, and it imparts a distinctive citrus character to beer.
Ahtanum is an aroma-type cultivar bred by Yakima Chief Ranches. It is used for its aromatic properties and moderate bittering. The variety is named after the location where Charles Carpenter established the first hop farm in the Yakima Valley in 1869.
Apollo is a super high alpha variety that was developed by the Hopsteiner Breeding Program and released in 2006. It is resistant to powdery and downy mildew. The very high alpha, good storage stability and low cohumulone ratio makes it an excellent choice for bittering. Added late into the boil it provides a strong grapefruit and hoppy note.
Amarillo is an aroma variety of recent origin, discovered and introduced by Vigil Gamache Farms Inc. in Washington State. It is most often used as a late kettle or dry hop addition to American style Pale Ales and IPA’s due to its signature aroma characteristics.
Nugget is a high alpha variety released in 1983 from the U.S.D.A. breeding program in Oregon. It is characterized by a mild herbal aroma, a low proportion of cohumulone, and good storage stability. It is used by brewers both for bittering and for its aroma profile. Nugget is one of the most widely grown varieties in Oregon and also has significant acreage in Washington State.
