Simcoe

Simcoe - previously named YCR 14 - was created by Charles E. Zimmermann, developed by Select Botanicals Group, and released through Yakima Chief Ranches in 2000. A patent was applied for the year prior to Simcoe’s release, making it a trademarked variety. Because of this proprietary status its parentage is a secret, but word is that it was derived via open pollination.

Simcoe is a dual-purpose hop that can be used in all hop additions throughout the brewing process.

Alongside its fruity and slightly earthy aromas, specific descriptors of the Simcoe hop includes grapefruit, passion fruit, pine and berry characteristics. In addition to its great bittering qualities, the Simcoe hop variety - often referred to as "Cascade on steroids" - is known for its tropical fruit flavors. It is commonly used in India pale ales and pale ales. Simcoe is frequently used for bittering due to its high alpha acid percentages, but can be used as a late addition as well to bring out more fruity aromas. It has since become one of the most popular hops for both the craft beer and homebrewing industries. At 12%-14% Alpha Acid, Simcoe adds a smooth bitterness, but also packs a punch of stone fruit, pine, and citrus zest aromas. It truly is a dual purpose hop that is capable of standing on its own in single-hopped beers in a wide range of styles.

Some hops just taste better together. We recently analyzed [ 1 ] hundreds of the most popular beers to find which hops are commonly paired together. We found that Citra , Amarillo , Centennial , Mosaic , Chinook & Cascade hops are commonly used alongside the Simcoe hop. This is not a complete list, but should give you a good idea of what hops are commonly used together.

Simcoe is also sometimes featured as a single hop in beers to highlight its unique flavors and aromas. It can be added either as a fresh hop, or via hop pellets. Some popular examples of commercial beers that use 100% Simcoe hops in their recipes are Temescal Simcoe IPA , Hill Farmstead Simcoe Single Hop Pale Ale & Other Half DDH Simcoe Chroma .