Simcoe® Hops

Dual: Aroma and BitteringAlpha 11.5 - 15.0%United States

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.

Substitution Tip

If you can't find Simcoe, the best alternatives are Citra®, Magnum, Mosaic®, or Summit.

At A Glance

ProfilePine, Forest Floor, Resinous, Passionfruit, Apricot, Grapefruit Zest, Earthy, Wood, Wild Berry
PurposeDual: Aroma and Bittering
Alpha Acid11.5 - 15.0%
SubstitutesCitra®, Magnum, Mosaic®, Summit
Pairs withAmarillo® (the classic "West Coast" pairing for citrus), Citra® (for a massive/bright fruit punch), Mosaic® (for a deep berry/tropical complexity)
Beer StylesDouble 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

Aroma
Flavor
CitrusTropical FruitStone FruitApple/PearMelonBerryFloralSpicy/HerbalPineResinGrassEarthy/WoodyOnion/GarlicDank/Catty

Discovery Tags

Last Updated
  • 2026-04-03 16:59:13