Centennial Hops

Origins of Centennial Hops

The Centennial Hop, also known as the “super Cascade”, first made its appearance in 1974. Developed by the USDA breeding program in Washington State, it wasn’t released for public use until 1990. This hop variety is a result of a cross between Brewer’s Gold and a USDA male. The name “Centennial” comes from the fact that it was released in the centennial year of Washington statehood.

Since its release, Centennial Hops have become one of the most popular hop varieties among craft brewers and homebrewers alike. Known for its versatility and balanced characteristics, it’s often used for both bittering and aroma purposes in a wide range of beer styles. Despite being a relatively new hop variety, Centennial has built a solid reputation in the brewing industry, contributing significantly to the craft beer revolution.

In comparison to Citra Hops, Centennial provides a more floral, citrusy note to beers. While Citra Hops are known for their fruity, tropical flavors, Centennial is recognized for its classic bittering qualities and refreshing grapefruit aroma. This makes Centennial a go-to hop for brewers wanting to create beers with a crisp, clean, and refreshing taste. Whether used alone in single hop Citra beer or combined with other hop varieties, Centennial Hops can effectively enhance the overall flavor profile of the beer.

Centennial Hops are primarily grown in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, specifically in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. They thrive in these areas due to the ideal hop-growing conditions such as the right amount of sunlight, proper soil composition, and suitable climate. The quality of Centennial Hops is highly dependent on these factors, making them a valuable and sought-after hop variety for brewing.

Characteristics of Centennial Hops

Centennial hops, are well-known for their distinct aroma and flavor profile. Developed in the 1970s, these hops were initially bred for their high alpha acid content, which ranges from 9.5% to 11.5%. This makes them an excellent choice for bittering, but they also contribute a pleasant aroma when used as a late addition or in dry hopping.

The flavor profile of Centennial hops is complex and multifaceted. They impart a rich citrus aroma, with notes of lemon and floral undertones. The taste, on the other hand, is a balanced mix of floral, citrus and grapefruit flavors. Even though they have high alpha acids, Centennial hops are known for their clean bitterness, without being overly harsh.

Centennial hops are also characterized by their versatility. They can be used in any stage of the brewing process – be it for bittering, flavor, or aroma. This makes them a popular choice among homebrewers and commercial brewers alike. They are particularly well-suited for brewing American pale ales and IPAs, where their pronounced citrus character can shine through.

Similar to Citra hops, Centennial hops also have a unique flavor profile. However, where Citra hops tend to be more tropical and fruity, Centennial hops lean more towards a floral and citrus character. This makes them a great option for those who want to experiment with different hop flavors in their homebrew recipes.

When brewing with Centennial hops, it’s important to note that they have a moderately low storage stability. This means they should be stored properly to maintain their quality and characteristics. But with their enticing aroma and versatile uses, Centennial hops are definitely worth exploring in your next brew.

Appropriate Beer Styles for Centennial Hops

The Centennial Hop, often compared to the Citra Hop due to their similar flavor profile, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of beer styles. However, there are certain styles where it truly shines. One of the most common uses of Centennial Hops is in American Pale Ales and India Pale Ales (IPAs), including the popular Citra IPA homebrew. The hop’s strong floral and citrus notes complement the bitterness of these beer styles, resulting in a balanced and flavorful brew.

In addition to IPAs and Pale Ales, Centennial Hops are also well-suited for use in Amber Ales and Blonde Ales. The fruity undertones of this hop pair well with the slightly sweet and malty flavor profile of these ales, adding a layer of complexity and depth.

Centennial Hops can also be used in brewing Stouts and Porters, especially those with a more robust and strong flavor profile. The hop’s citrusy character provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, heavy flavors of these beer styles. For a single-hop beer, consider brewing with Centennial Hops alone to fully experience its unique flavor profile.

Regardless of the specific beer style, Centennial Hops offer a unique blend of bitterness and aromatic qualities that can enhance your homebrew. Experimenting with different beer recipes can help you discover the full potential of this hop variety. Remember, the key to a successful brew is balance, and Centennial Hops can provide the perfect counterpoint to both subtle and robust beer flavors.

How to Incorporate Centennial Hops Into Your Recipe

If you’re a homebrewer or a craft beer enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of Centennial Hops. Known for its versatile flavor profile, it’s a favorite among many brewers. But how can you incorporate it into your brewing recipe to craft a perfect beer? Here are some tips.

Centennial Hops is a dual-purpose hop, which means it can be used both for its aromatic qualities and its bittering properties. If you’re brewing an IPA, particularly a Citra IPA homebrew, Centennial Hops can add a complex character to your beer. When added at the start of the boil, it provides a clean bitterness. If added towards the end, it imparts a rich citrusy flavor, reminiscent of grapefruit.

For a single hop Citra beer, you can substitute some or all of your Citra Hops with Centennial Hops. This can give your beer a more balanced flavor, as Centennial Hops is less intense than Citra but still provides a strong citrus punch.

When brewing with Centennial Hops, it’s important to remember that it has a high alpha acid content, usually between 9.5% and 11.5%. This means it can potentially make your beer very bitter if used in large quantities. Therefore, it’s best to use it sparingly, especially if you’re new to brewing with high alpha acid hops.

Lastly, when incorporating Centennial Hops into your recipe, consider pairing it with other hop varieties to create a complex flavor profile. It pairs well with many other hops, including Citra, Cascade, and Chinook.

With these tips in mind, you can start experimenting with Centennial Hops in your brewing recipes. Happy brewing!

Where to buy Centennial Hops

If you’re a homebrewer or craft beer enthusiast looking to experiment with Centennial Hops, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s readily available from a variety of sources. Unlike other types of hops, Centennial is a popular choice in the brewing community and can be easily found both online and in physical stores.

For online purchasing, there are numerous reputable suppliers that sell Centennial Hops. Websites like Yakima Valley Hops, Northern Brewer, and MoreBeer are a few examples of online stores that stock this hop variety. These sites offer Centennial Hops in various forms such as pellets, whole leaf, and even in hop extract format. When buying online, it’s important to check the alpha acid percentage of the hops, as this can vary from batch to batch.

If you prefer to buy your hops in person, most homebrew supply stores will carry Centennial Hops due to its popularity. This gives you the advantage of being able to physically inspect the hops before purchasing. The staff at these stores are usually knowledgeable and can provide valuable advice on how best to use Centennial Hops in your brewing process.

Lastly, if you’re lucky enough to live near a hop farm, you might be able to buy Centennial Hops directly from the source. This can be a great option as you are likely to get the freshest hops. However, it’s worth noting that Centennial Hops are typically harvested in late summer to early fall, so availability may be seasonal.

No matter where you decide to buy your Centennial Hops, remember that proper storage is key to maintaining their Citra-like flavor profile. Keep them sealed in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dark place to preserve their freshness and potency for your next Citra IPA homebrew or single hop Citra beer recipe.