Mt. Hood Hop Pellets 1 lb

Mt. Hood is a refined American aroma hop developed to capture the elegant characteristics of traditional German noble varieties while offering improved disease resistance and growing performance. Released by the USDA in 1989, Mt. Hood has become a favorite among brewers producing lagers, wheat beers, and Belgian ales thanks to its smooth bitterness and delicate herbal/floral aroma. Its balanced oil profile makes it an excellent choice for late boil, whirlpool, and aroma additions where subtle complexity is desired.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Yakima Chief Hops
• Hop Type: Aroma
• Origin: United States
• Alpha Acid: 4.0 - 8.0%
• Beta Acid: 5.0 - 7.5%
• Cohumulone: 21 - 23%

Flavor & Aroma Profile

Mt. Hood is known for its graceful aromas of herbal spice, floral blossoms, fresh grass, and mild earth, complemented by notes of citrus zest, green tea, and subtle woody character. Late boil and whirlpool additions emphasize its soft noble like qualities while producing a smooth, clean bitterness that enhances malt forward beer styles without overwhelming them. Its restrained aroma also makes it an excellent supporting hop alongside more expressive varieties.

Brewing Applications

Mt. Hood excels in German Pilsner, Helles, Kölsch, American Lager, Wheat Beer, Belgian Witbier, Belgian Blonde Ale, Saison, Cream Ale, and Blonde Ale. It pairs exceptionally well with Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Tettnang, Hersbrucker, Liberty, and Crystal, creating layered floral, herbal, and spicy aromas with classic noble hop character.

Recommended Hop Substitutes

If Mt. Hood is unavailable, consider:

• Hallertau Mittelfrüh – The closest noble style substitute with floral and herbal elegance.
• Liberty – An American grown Hallertau descendant with similar delicate spice.
• Crystal – Soft floral and spicy notes with a clean finish.
• Hersbrucker – Gentle herbal and floral character for traditional lagers.
• Tettnang – Classic noble hop offering refined spice and floral complexity.

Lineage & History

Mt. Hood was developed by the USDA breeding program and released commercially in 1989 as part of an effort to produce American grown hops with authentic European noble characteristics. It is a triploid cultivar developed from Hallertau Mittelfrüh and other carefully selected breeding lines, inheriting the classic floral, herbal, and spicy qualities of its German parent while offering improved vigor, yield, and disease resistance. Named after Oregon's iconic Mount Hood, the variety has become a staple among brewers seeking noble hop character without relying on imported European hops. Today, Mt. Hood remains a trusted Yakima Chief Hops variety for brewing traditional lagers, Belgian ales, and other balanced, malt forward styles.