Our Varieties

Alpha Vs Aroma

Graph showing alpha and aroma acreage increase from 2008 to 2023

The U.S. hop industry has long been synonymous with high alpha production.

Certain varieties of hops are champs in the production of high levels of alpha acid, and the resulting hop extract provides brewers worldwide with this important bittering component. However, during the past decade, U.S. growers have rapidly transitioned to producing an array of fine aroma hops that allow brewers to customize the profile of each unique beer. Many of these hops also contain respectable amounts of alpha acid and may serve as dual-purpose superstars in the brewing process.

Key for alpha and aroma graph

Hop plants are either male or female, producing annual climbing bines from a perennial “crown” of rhizomes. Hop cones are fruiting body of the female plant, containing lupulin glands filled with the alpha and beta acids, resins, and oils prized by brewers.

Hop cone

Top PNW Varieties

These make up over 83% of U.S. Hops.

Hop cone Table showing alpha content for hop varieties

For detailed hop-growing information, news, and education, check out our full website at USAHops.org.

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This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service under Federal award No. MAP-2024-HGA.

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