As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on the question of whether Columbus and CTZ are the same. The origin of Columbus is quite mysterious, and it is often referred to as CTZ, which stands for Columbus/Tomahawk/Zeus. This is due to a naming dispute between Hopunion and YCH, two prominent hop suppliers.
It all started when both companies attempted to register the same hop with different names. After some negotiations, an agreement was reached, and both names were officially registered. However, it is important to note that Columbus and CTZ are technically the same hop, despite the two different names.
The confusion surrounding the naming of this hop can lead to some misconceptions. Some people may assume that Columbus and CTZ are two distinct hop varieties, but in reality, they are one and the same. The names Columbus, Tomahawk, and Zeus are simply different names used to refer to this particular hop.
In my personal experience as a brewer, I have used both Columbus and CTZ hops interchangeably in various recipes. I have found that the flavors and aromas they impart are consistent regardless of whether they are labeled as Columbus or CTZ. This further supports the fact that they are indeed the same hop variety.
Columbus/CTZ hops are known for their high alpha acid content, which contributes to their strong bitterness. They also possess a pungent and resinous aroma, often described as earthy, citrusy, and spicy. These characteristics make them popular for use in American-style IPAs and other hop-forward beers.
In terms of brewing, it is important for brewers to understand that Columbus and CTZ are interchangeable. If a recipe calls for Columbus hops and you have CTZ on hand, you can confidently use them without any significant difference in the final result. The same applies vice versa.
To summarize, Columbus and CTZ are essentially the same hop variety. The names Columbus, Tomahawk, and Zeus are all used to refer to this hop, but they all represent the same characteristics and flavors. Whether you see Columbus or CTZ listed in a recipe or at a hop supplier, you can be confident that they are referring to the same hop.