Simcoe (hops)

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Taken from an article by Joe Sixpack at The Philadelphia Daily News: http://www.joesixpack.net/columnArchives/2006/060906.htm

Agriculture scientists in Washington State at Select Botanicals introduced a hybrid hop called Simcoe, and brewers have been boiling it big time ever since.

The goal was to develop a hop variety with high alpha-acid content to reduce the acreage needed to grow the fast-spreading vines. The problem, though, was that once they're boiled in the beer-making process, high-alpha hops often produce harsh flavors. Select Botanicals solved that problem by developing a variety with lower cohumulone, the acid responsible for the astringency of hops.

Jason Perrault, the company's vice president of research and development, said it took 10 years of pollination, crop development, harvesting and analysis till Simcoe was ready to be released in 2000. Perrault said the company is still waiting for interest to grow among the big brewers. But he's heartened by the early acceptance by small brewers. "We've found that craft brewers are so much more willing to try something new, to give it a shot, to be a trend-setter," he said. Mostly, brewers use Simcoe in combination with other hop varieties.

Because of those qualities, it's an especially popular ingredient in the new wave of extra-hoppy ales known as Imperial India Pale Ales. It provides a nice kick without a harsh slap to the palate.

Want a taste of Simcoe hops? Here's a sixpack of other beers that feature the distinctive flavor:

1. Philly Pale Ale, Yards Brewing, Philadelphia.

2. Pliny the Elder, Russian River Brewing, California.

3. Big Fish Barleywine, Flying Fish, New Jersey.

4. Dreadnaught, Three Floyds Brewing, Indiana.

5. The Maharaja, Avery Brewing, Colorado.

6. Titan IPA, Great Divide Brewing, Colorado.

7. Double Simcoe IPA, Weyebacher, Pennsylvania

8. Nugget Nectar, Troegs Brewery, Pennsylvania

9. 90 Minute IPA, Dogfish Head Brewery, Deleware

Simcoe Hops