Origin and Description
Simcoe Hops was released in 2000 by the Yakima Chief Ranch in Washington State. Its one of those hops that are closely associated with India Pale Ales, but its capacity does not stop there. Simcoe is used almost to obsession in varying ales, predominantly by American Craft Brewers. Its parents are unknown but is compared to Cascade Hops.
Simcoe Hops is a dual purpose hops with high bittering potential. The alpha acid content comes in at 12.0%-14.0% with a relatively low beta acid content of 4.0%-5.0%. The co-humulone for this variety is very low (among the lowest) at 12.0%-15.0%. In total this makes Simcoe a good choice for foundational type bittering in beer. Simcoe is also known for its aromatic qualities. And is described as both fruity and an herbal piney earthy fragrance. The myrcene oil content is a skyrocketing 60.0%-65.0% which is among the highest. And naturally this leaves the other oils at a deficit from the norm with the humulene oil content at 10.0%-15.0%, and the caryophyllene oil content at 5.0-%-8.0%. The aroma in Simcoe Hops is complex, and this is part of what explains its popularity with bold hop heavy ales.
Simcoe Hops is a heavy yielding plant at 2300-2500 lbs/acre, which is a theme from some of the Yakima varieties. The bright yellow lupulin comes from the medium size hop cones mid season after a moderately vigorous growing season. Going with the times, Simcoe has been bred for disease resistance which includes powdery mildew and sperotheca. As mentioned, Simcoe has made itself known for the American craft brewing and home brewing warriors, and is available.
Simcoe Hops Usage
Simcoe hops is commonly used for both its aromatic qualities as well as its bittering qualities.
Simcoe Hops Characteristics
Below is a list of characteristics for simcoe hops that impact farming, chemistry, transport & trade, beer production, as well as the final character of the finished product.
Simcoe Hops Acid Composition
| Alpha Acid Composition | 12%-14% |  |
| Beta Acid Composition | 4%-5% |  |
| Co-Humulone Composition | 15%-20% |  |
Simcoe Hops Cone Physical Characteristics
| Simcoe Lupulin Color | Yellow |  |
| Simcoe Cone Size | Medium |  |
Simcoe Hops Growth, Harvest, and Storage Details
| Maturity | Unknown | |
| Yield | Yield for Simcoe Hops is Moderate to High at 2300 - 2500 kg/hectare |  |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Vigorous |  |
| Susceptibility to Disease and Pests | Resistent To: Powdery Mildew,Sperotheca, |  |
| Storability | Simcoe Hops maintains 70%-80% alpha acid comtents after 6 months storage at 20 degrees C |  |
| Ease of Harvest | Good |  |
Simcoe Hops Oil Composition
| Total Oil Composition | 2-2.5 mls/100 grams |  |
| Myrcene Oil Composition | 60%-65% |  |
| Humulene Oil Composition | 10%-15% |  |
| Caryophyllene Oil Composition | 5%-8% |  |
| Farnesene Oil Composition | 0%-1% |  |
Simcoe Hops Substitutes
| Variety | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Summit | Summit Hops is a unique variety with a novel history. It was released by the American Hops Dwarf Association in Yakima, WA and its story begins with Magnum | Magnum hops is also known as Hallertau Magnum. Please see this section for more information.... |
Common Beer Styles for Simcoe Hops
| Beer Style |
|---|
| Double India Pale Ale |
| India Red Ale |
| Porter |
| India Pale Ale |
| Brown Ale |
| Abbey Dubble Dark |
| Belgian Wheat |
| Saison |
| Bitter |
| Barley Wine |
| Amber Ale |
| Red Ale |
| American Amber Ale |
| Strong Pale Ale |
