Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood was the first American hybrid hop variety to mirror some of the same characteristics as the European noble hops. It is remarkably similar to Haller-tau Hersbrucker, but retains a higher alpha-acid content.

Mt. Hood flourished, becoming the proverbial “Golden Goose” of the 1990s, as American brewers and growers found a long-held hope fulfilled in the new variety. Instead of having to rely on expensive European imports, the brewers had a domestic low-cost option and farmers saw dollar signs in a promise of high demand in a hop variety they could cultivate on their own lands.

Today, Mt. Hood has lost some of its popularity to newer varieties. But, being in the public domain makes this one of the best options for American gardeners looking for a variety that imparts the revered noble characteristics, yet also will grow well. On the commercial scale, its acreage and harvest have been slowly decreasing over the last three seasons in Washington, but in Oregon, it has held relatively steady.

Aroma: A medium-intensity with a light sweetness that is often described as honey-like. Mild herbal notes (fennel, tarragon) along with floral or lemony elements may also be noticeable.