Hop Profile: Yakima Gold

It's perfectly understandable if even a seasoned brewer is unfamiliar with Yakima Gold. This new-hop-on-the-block is only just nearing its third birthday. Cultivated at Washington State University in 2013, Yakima Gold (unrelated to the various "Golding" hops)  takes its name from the nearby landmark and hop-growing mecca Yakima Valley.

Yakima Gold is the bouncing baby produced by the union of Cluster hops and a wild Slovenian male. Consequently, it boats the same citrusy, grapefruity characteristics of that all-American staple, tempered by a smooth, high-farnesene mildness reminiscent of noble hops from the European father.

Due to its young age, Yakima Gold's potential in craft brewing remains relatively unexplored. Its subdued flavors make it versatile enough for both bittering and aroma. A cultural and flavorful hybrid at heart, Yakima Gold can be utilized either as a brash, American take on the noble hop, or as a gentler European slant on the citrus and pine-heavy American style.