Mount Hood hops come from the breeding program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Oregon. This breeding program has been responsible for developing many popular hop varieties over the years. Mount Hood was bred in 1983 and released in 1989, making it a relatively new addition to the hop world.
The name “Mount Hood” is derived from the famous Oregon volcano, which lends a sense of local pride and connection to the hop variety. It's always interesting to see how hops are named, as the names often reflect the origin or characteristics of the hop.
Mount Hood is classified as a triploid aroma-type hop, which means it is primarily used for its aromatic properties rather than for bitterness. It is often compared to German Hallertau and German Hersbrucker hops, suggesting that it shares some similar flavor and aroma characteristics with these traditional German hop varieties.
One of the special aspects of Mount Hood is its versatility in brewing. It can be used in a wide range of beer styles, from traditional German lagers to American ales. This makes it a popular choice among brewers who value a hop that can contribute to different beer profiles.
I have had the pleasure of brewing with Mount Hood hops on several occasions, and I have always been impressed with their delicate and pleasant aroma. The hop exhibits floral and herbal notes, with a touch of spice. It's not overpowering or aggressive, but rather adds a subtle and nuanced character to the beer.
In terms of its growing characteristics, Mount Hood hops are known for being relatively easy to cultivate. They have good disease resistance and yield well, which makes them attractive to hop farmers. This means that there is a steady supply of Mount Hood hops available to brewers, ensuring that they can consistently incorporate this hop variety into their recipes.
Mount Hood hops are a product of the USDA breeding program in Oregon. They were bred in the 1980s and released in 1989. Named after the iconic Oregon volcano, Mount Hood is a triploid aroma-type hop that shares similarities with German Hallertau and German Hersbrucker hops. It is prized for its versatility in brewing and its delicate floral and herbal aroma. With its ease of cultivation and consistent availability, Mount Hood hops continue to be a popular choice among brewers.