Simcoe Hops - History and Profile
Simcoe hops are synonymous with piney and fruity IPA’s, powerful double IPA’s, and smooth American Ales. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Simcoe hops, odds are good you’ve enjoyed them in some of your favorite microbrews. But where did they start?
Hop History and Profile:
These eclectic hops were originally cultivated in America in the year 2000 by Yakima Chief Ranches. Though little has been disclosed about their parentage, Simcoe hops have been used by microbrewers and homebrewers to create great beer for over twenty years, making it one of our more modern vices.
With a high Alpha acid content (12-14%) and a low Beta acid content (4-5%), Simcoe hops are great for bittering. But with flavor profiles of pine, citrus, passion fruit, and black pepper, these versatile hops are also used for their aromatic qualities. These hops are truly a dual-purpose hop that make it difficult for a brewer to go wrong with.
Hop Homebrew Review:
This hop species is often compared with Cascade and Amarillo hops, which puts it in good company with many great IPAs, Pale Ales, Double IPAs, and American Ales. My own brewing experience with Simcoe hops started with Brooklyn Brew Shop’s Single Hop IPA series. Just cutting open the hops’ package let me know that I was in for a treat, and I must say, when I got my first taste it was like I was sitting outside of my favorite bar, sun shining down upon me, condensation on the glass as the head maintained, while I waited for a delicious, melty pizza to make its way out to me.
The Simcoe single hop IPA was a great way to profile the hop variety across the spectrum from bitterness to flavor to aroma. It really helped to nail down the bitterness and aromas that come with this great hop. Look ahead for more hop profiles and single hop IPA homebrew reviews.
And if you don’t want to wait for your own brew, check out these iconic Simcoe beers: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Russian River Pliny the Elder, Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA, or ask a local brewery if they use Simcoe hops in any of their brews. I’m betting they do.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew