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Simcoe® Hops
Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 11.5 - 15.0%United States
Flavor & aroma
Simcoe® is a legendary American hop that stands as a foundational pillar of modern craft brewing. Released in 2000 by Yakima Chief Ranches, it was specifically engineered to offer a high-intensity dual-purpose performance that few other cultivars can equal. Often referred to as "Cascade on steroids," Simcoe® is prized for its remarkable versatility and a "chameleon-like" ability to shift between resinous, fruity, and herbal notes depending on the recipe. For over two decades, this proprietary variety has remained a top-tier choice, defining the iconic West Coast IPA with its massive oil content and exceptional agricultural stability.
The sensory profile of Simcoe® is a complex and legendary tapestry of "pine meets fruit." It leads with a primary, "dank" bouquet of damp forest floor, Douglas fir, and sticky pine resin, followed by a vibrant surge of passionfruit, apricot, and grapefruit zest. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle, earthy undertones of wood and a hint of wild berry. Thanks to its exceptionally low cohumulone levels and massive myrcene content, Simcoe® delivers a remarkably smooth, velvety bitterness that carries its heavy aromatic load without becoming harsh, making it the definitive choice for a rugged Pacific Northwest character balanced by sweet, tropical brightness.
If you can't find Simcoe, the best alternatives are Citra®, Magnum, Mosaic®, or Summit™.
At A Glance
| Profile | Pine, Forest Floor, Resinous, Passionfruit, Apricot, Grapefruit Zest, Earthy, Wood, Wild Berry |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Dual: Aroma and Bittering |
| Alpha Acid | 11.5 - 15.0% |
| Substitutes | Citra®, Magnum, Mosaic®, Summit™ |
| Pairs with | Amarillo® (the classic "West Coast" pairing for citrus), Citra® (for a massive/bright fruit punch), Mosaic® (for a deep berry/tropical complexity) |
| Beer Styles | Double India Pale Ale, West Coast India Pale Ale, Pale Ale, Amber Ale, Stout |
General Information
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Alias | YCR 14 |
| Storage Stability | Retains 70 - 75% alpha acid |
Brewing Chemistry (Acids & Oils)
| Alpha Acid | 11.5 - 15.0% |
|---|---|
| Beta Acid | 3.0 - 4.5% |
| Cohumulone | 12.0 - 15.0% |
| Total Oil | 2.0 - 2.5 ml/100g |
| Myrcene | 60.0 - 65.0% |
| Humulene | 10.0 - 15.0% |
| Caryophyllene | 5.0 - 8.0% |
| Farnesene | < 1.0% |
| Linalool | 0.5 - 0.9% |
| B-Pinene | 0.5 - 1.0% |
| Geraniol | 0.8 - 1.2% |
Growth & Cultivation
| Yield | 2,650 - 2,880 lbs/acre. |
|---|---|
| Maturity | Mid to late season |
| Resistant | Powdery Mildew |
| Growth Rate | Very high |
| Cones | Medium to large, oval-shaped, and incredibly dense. They are heavily saturated with yellow lupulin t |
| Ease of Harvest | Excellent; the bines are structurally strong and the variety is well-suited for high-speed mechanica |
| Sex | Female |
| Leaf Color | Medium-dark green |
| Side Arm Length | 20" - 30" |
Simcoe® Aroma/Flavor Profile
- 2026-04-03 16:59:13