Chinook Rises To The Top
Craft beer has been steadily gaining popularity over the past decade, and with that comes an increased demand for high-quality hops. As we look back on the bestselling hop varieties of 2021, it's clear that some classics continue to reign supreme while newer varieties are also gaining traction in the industry. Let's take a closer look at the top five bestselling hop varieties of 2021:
- Chinook
- Cascade
- Prima Donna
- Golden Tassels
- Centennial
Chinook Hops: Chinook hops are a high-alpha variety that was first introduced in the 1980s. They are known for their piney, spicy aroma and are often used in American-style IPAs. Chinook hops were the most popular variety of 2021, thanks to their high demand among brewers who were looking to add a bold and bitter flavor to their beers.
Cascade Hops: Cascade hops have been around since the 1970s and are one of the most popular hop varieties for American-style ales. They are known for their floral, spicy, and citrusy aroma and are often used in pale ales and IPAs. Cascade hops were the third most popular variety of 2021, with many brewers continuing to rely on this classic hop for its reliable flavor profile.
Prima Donna Hops: Prima Donna hops are another newer variety that was first introduced in 2019. They are a high-alpha hop that's known for its spicy, herbal, and floral notes. Prima Donna hops were the third most popular variety of 2021, with brewers using them in a variety of beer styles, from IPAs to lagers.
Golden Tassels Hops: Golden Tassels is a newer hop variety that was released in 2003. It's a hybrid hop that was created by crossing two classic varieties, Cascade and Hallertau Mittelfrüh. Golden Tassels is known for its unique aroma and flavor profile, which includes notes of citrus, melon, and tropical fruit. Despite being a relatively new variety, Golden Tassels hops were the fourth most popular variety of 2021, showing its quick rise in popularity among craft brewers.
Centennial Hops: Centennial hops are known for their versatility and balance of flavors. They were first bred in 1974 and quickly became a favorite among craft brewers for their citrusy aroma, with hints of floral and spicy notes. In 2021, Centennial hops were the fifth top-selling variety due to their widespread use in popular beer styles like IPAs, pale ales, and stouts.
In conclusion, the top five bestselling hop varieties of 2021 reflect the diverse range of flavors and aromas that craft brewers are looking for in their beers. From classic varieties like Centennial and Cascade to newer hybrids like Golden Tassels and Prima Donna, it's clear that the world of craft beer is constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what's possible with hops. As we look ahead to 2022 and beyond, it will be exciting to see which hop varieties continue to dominate the industry and which new varieties will emerge as fan favorites.