Centennial Hop Pellets 1 lb

Centennial is one of the most widely used American hop varieties, earning the nickname "Super Cascade" for its bold citrus character and higher alpha acid content. Released by the USDA in 1990, this versatile dual purpose hop delivers clean bitterness alongside vibrant citrus and floral aromas, making it a cornerstone of American craft brewing. Centennial is equally effective for bittering, late kettle additions, whirlpool hopping, and dry hopping, making it a favorite for hop forward beer styles.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Yakima Chief Hops
• Hop Type: Dual Purpose
• Origin: United States
• Alpha Acid: 7.0 - 12.0%
• Beta Acid: 3.5 - 5.5%
• Cohumulone: 28 - 30%

Flavor & Aroma Profile

Centennial is best known for its bright lemon, grapefruit, and orange citrus character, complemented by notes of pine, floral blossoms, resin, and light earthy spice. Late additions enhance its vibrant citrus flavor, while whirlpool and dry hopping produce an expressive aroma with layers of fresh citrus peel and subtle pine. Its balanced bitterness and clean finish make Centennial an outstanding single-hop variety while also blending seamlessly with other American hops.

Brewing Applications

Centennial is a staple in American Pale Ale, West Coast IPA, American IPA, Double IPA, Blonde Ale, Amber Ale, American Wheat Beer, and Session IPA. It pairs exceptionally well with Cascade, Chinook, Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe, and Columbus, creating layered citrus, pine, and tropical fruit complexity.

Recommended Hop Substitutes

If Centennial is unavailable, consider:

• Cascade – The closest substitute with more floral and grapefruit character.
• Chinook – Similar citrus profile with stronger pine and spice.
• Columbus – More dank and resinous with firm bitterness.
• Amarillo – Sweeter orange and stone fruit character.
• Comet – Grapefruit-forward with subtle herbal notes.

Lineage & History

Centennial was developed through the USDA hop breeding program from a complex cross involving Brewer's Gold, Fuggle, East Kent Golding, Bavarian, and other USDA breeding lines. Although often compared to Cascade, Centennial is not a direct descendant but was bred independently to provide higher alpha acids while maintaining a bold American citrus aroma. Since its commercial release in 1990, Centennial has become one of Yakima Chief Hops' flagship varieties and remains a defining ingredient in classic American Pale Ales and West Coast IPAs.