Product Review

Chinook is a bittering variety with aroma characteristics released in May, 1985. It was bred by crossing a Petham Golding with the USDA 63012 male. A high alpha acid hop with a wonderful herbal, almost smoky character when used as an aromatic during the last few minutes of the boil when dry hoping. Excellent for hopping American-style Pale Ales, especially those brewed to higher gravities. (alpha acid: 12.0-14.0% / beta acid: 3.0-4.0%) Chinook (pronounced shin-ook) hops are a high-alpha variety of around 13% AA. Chinook hops has a strong and distinctive pine-like aroma and flavor that is not common among other varieties. They are also somewhat spicy with a mild fruitiness similar to that of other Northwest hops (Cascade, Columbus, Centennial), though definitely not as strong. Al Korzonas, author of "Homebrewing: Volume I", describes Chinook hops as "a cross between Saaz and a pine forest." The distinctive aroma and flavor make these hops best suited for hoppy American ales, but may be used as bittering hops for English or European beers.