Varieties Still in Trial

Cashmere

A smooth bittering hop with mild aromatics that was recently developed in 2013 at Washington State University.

So far, Cashmere has done well.  It boasts large clusters of cones on the sidearms which leads to higher yields.  However, the cones are loose and a loss in yield could be incurred from mechanical harvesting.  Alpha Acids have been much lower than what they should be when tested.  This variety also can be disease prone according to various sources.  It is showing promise at our site, but monitoring is still necessary for at least another year or two. 

Columbia

Developed in the 1960's, this hop possesses a clean, crisp flavor with strong aromatics.

This variety is showing to be very disease resistant and well growing, but it produces small cones that might present a labor to yield issue later.  Cones are so few at this time that Alpha Acid testing has not yet been performed.  

Glacier

A newer, low cohumulone variety that is finding favor with microbrewers and has unique purple bines.  

Glacier grows extremely well to 25'+ with lots of cones.  However, the testing shows extremely low Alpha Acid and it is prone to leafy cones.  Furthermore, this variety can be Downy Mildew prone.  We have not seen a DM issue yet with this variety, but the low AA% is concerning.

Zeus

A high alpha variety that is similar to Columbus but genetically different.

This variety was planted as an attempt to find a more Downy Mildew resistant cultivar to replace Columbus.  It currently boasts higher Alpha Acids than Columbus, but growth characteristics are not as strong.  So far, DM does not appear to be an issue with this variety.

Local - Unknown

A lower alpha variety that grows similar to Canadian Redvine. 

This hop was found locally near our hopyard and was reportedly planted in that area around 100 years ago and has been spreading rhizomes and making new plants since.  None of the current or past land owners know much about it nor it's name.  By all accounts, it is most likely a descendent or related to a continental variety.  It is our hope that this plant is genetically different now that it has spent so much time in our climate.  It appears somewhat resistant to Downy Mildew, but is prone to crown rot.  It showcases extremely large, loose-leafed cones similar to Canadian Redvine.  Unlike CRV however, brewers have noted a very floral, rose-like character and bubblegum flavor.  In other taste tastings, it was noted to have a strong floral character with an underlying hint of Chinook pine.  Overall, this variety is doing well.