Palisade Hops?

07Nov08

Here’s a new hop variety that may be one to try: Palisade Hops. I found that there is little official information and varying forum and personal accounts. Here is a culmination of what I read plus a large employment of my own editorial power.

Origin: USA. It is bred and trademarked by Yakima Chief Ranches. From other sources, it appears to have been bred from a version of Tettanger (possibly Swiss?). I couldn’t find any release date information.

Aroma: Floral. Subtle Apricot. Grassy. ”Pretty”.

Alpha Acid: 5.5-9.5%

Typical Usage: Although the alpha acid is pushing double digits on the high end, this is an aroma hop variety. I think Palisade hops are similar to Glacier hops. Many of the things I read both online and offline seemed to support a subtle, non-aggressive, smooth hop flavor with a fruity, non-citrusy aroma. If you are a hop head, I think you will be unimpressed by this variety. I would bitter with a high alpha acid hop variety and combine Palisade with a citrusy aroma hop variety to make a American pale ale. This hop variety is better for English style pale ales.

Here are some other newish American hop varieties:

Santiam Hops

Simcoe Hops

Ahtanum Hops