Cluster (US) is thought to be one of the oldest and most robust hop crops in the US. With its balanced aroma and bittering profile and outstanding storage stability, it has long been a go to hop of large commercial breweries in the US. So prolific was Cluster’s use in fact that at the beginning of the 20th century Cluster …
Eroica
Despite Eroica hops enjoying a high alpha acid percentage, they are, on paper at least, overshadowed by their sister Galena. It appears this comparison is also moving them toward denouement of commercial production along with their cones being considered difficult to harvest and it’s susceptibility to Ringspot and Mosaic virus. Developed by both the Idaho and Oregon Agricultural Experiment Stations …
California Cluster
Generally considered to be indistinguishable from other Cluster varieties, California Cluster is a true dual use hop. Used prolifically by US brewers in the early-to-mid 1900’s, Clusters were widely available and cheap – providing a generic but pleasant bitterness and flavor. California Cluster’s exact lineage is vague. The name itself is also representative of a number of different Cluster varieties. …
Chinook
Chinook hops are suitable for any stage of the boil. They’re not only a natural for American-style Pale Ales and IPAs, but they also find their way into seasonal ales, barley wine and some porters and stouts. The variety is a cross between Petham Golding and a USDA male and features a pine-like, spicy bouquet with robust flavors of grapefruit. …