Chinook Hops are one of the mainstays of the craft brewing industry. They’re a staple in many American style beers and they’re an excellent choice for Indiana home brewers.
Released in 1985, Chinook is a cross between Petham Golding and a USDA male (63012). It was initially used for bittering but has since gained popularity as a flavor hop as well.
Origin and History
Chinook Hops originated in the Yakima Valley of Washington State. It was first released in 1985 as a high alpha bittering variety and has found favor as a dual purpose hop in the craft brewing community as a result of its spice and pine aroma characteristics.
A cross of Petham Golding and a USDA male, Chinook was developed by the USDA breeding program in Washington State. It was released to the brewing community in 1985 as a dual purpose hop.
The hop oils in Chinook are relatively high, including myrcene and humulene which impart grapefruit and citrus flavors. They also have a high alpha acid content, but are not as high in cohumulone.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
Chinook Hops are a very distinctive dual-purpose hop that’s popular in West Coast style IPAs. Their medium intensity spice and pine characteristics are complimented by subtle notes of grapefruit, making this variety a favorite amongst brewers.
This high alpha acid variety packs a punch in American Pale Ales and IPAs, but can also be used in seasonal ales and barley wine. Its high geraniol content converts into citronellol during the brewing process, which helps to add fruity characteristics to the finished beer.
The aroma and flavor of Chinook Hops are well-rounded, making it a perfect substitute for other hops that can be hard to replicate. Nugget and Warrior are two of the most popular Chinook substitutions for IPA recipes.
Brewing Uses
Chinook is a hop that has become one of the mainstays of the craft beer movement. Brewers use it for bittering, but they also love the aromas and flavor it imparts.
Its aromatics can show grapefruit, smoky pine, and spicy fruitiness. Its character can turn catty when overused, but it’s an excellent choice for American pale ales and India pale ales.
Its storage stability is fair to good and it’s adapted well to Yakima Valley terroir, where it grows best. It does not fare as well in Oregon, where downy mildew is a problem.
Pairing of $ prompt with different beer styles
One of the most fun parts of brewing is exploring and experimenting with different hops. The goal is to find combinations that complement, boost, or tone down each other’s strengths while still delivering the flavor the brewer is after.
Chinook Hops are a good example of this type of pairing. They’re known for their pine/resin character and grapefruit flavor, which makes them a good choice for dry hopping IPAs.
They’re also a good bet for bittering, as their strong aroma and potent flavor make them perfect for spicing up your favorite brews. But the best part about this hop is that it can be used to create a wide range of flavors, from citrus and pine to tropical fruit and smoky resin.
Availability and Cultivation
Chinook hops are a very popular choice among the American craft brewing community. They’re a hybrid cross between Petham Golding and a male USDA 63102M and have pine-like and spicy characteristics with bright grapefruit notes.
Originally bred as a bittering variety in 1985, it is now considered a dual purpose hop that can be used for a wide range of styles and beer types. They can be added at any stage of the brewing process to add character and bitterness, as well as help create a great head.
They are also very easy to grow and are disease resistant, fast growing, and hardy. They are best planted in a sunny, well drained location with good drainage and lots of composted organic material.