FLAVOUR:
Mount Hood features a pleasant noble hop aroma and has been noted to impart somewhat of a flavor “punch” when freshly brewed – at least in comparison to true noble hops. The lime, floral, canteloupe, spicy (ginger) and woody flavours are smoothly blended creating a subtle mix of spice that tantalises the palate. There is a hint of ginger & licorice which makes Mount Hood suitable for adding complexity to dark beers.

Mount Hood is a truly versatile variety and it works well with most beer styles either as a flavour hop or as the foundation for a blend. 

Aroma qualities: She was described as “a new American noble aroma hop” when she was released, and the BarthHaas Aroma Compendium calls a particularly mild aroma her distinguishing feature. “The spicy aromatic notes in the raw hops are reminiscent of tarragon, chilli, rosemary, and fennel. In the cold infusion, the flavor profile of creamy-caramel honey nuances and floral notes is particularly pronounced.”

HISTORY:
Made available by Plant & Food Research for NZ home brewers to enjoy. An Oregon State University breeding program was initiated in 1983 by Dr. Alfred Haunold with the express purpose of creating an American hybrid that had the same character as European nobles. Mt. Hood, released in 1989, was the first to come out of the program.

Named after a mountain in the Cascade range in Oregon, Mount Hood’s parentage includes a tetraploid female Hallertau Mittelfruh and a USDA 19058M male.

Heritage: A cross between a tetraploid Hallertau Mittlefrüh female and USDA male (19058M, which was a cross between Early Green from the UK and an unknown male).

The basics: 4-6% alpha acids, 5-8% beta acids, .9-2 mL/100 grams total oil. 

Mount Hood is on the Crosby Hops endangered varieties in the USA.

GROWTH/YIELD:
Mount Hood hops usually mature early in the season. The yield is moderate to medium and the growth is moderate to vigorous. The cone size is medium.

BEER STYLES: 
A major component in Green Bench lagers and Tröegs Perpetual IPA

BOCKS • MUNICH HELLES • BARLEYWINES • BELGIAN ALES • AMBER ALES • STRONG ALES • PALE ALES & IPAS • STOUTS & BROWN ALES • AMERICAN WHEAT & HEFEWEIZENS • ALTBIER • VIENNA LAGER • BLONDES • GOLDEN ALES • KOLSCH • STOUT • PORTER