While modern hop varieties like Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy often steal the spotlight in today’s craft beer scene, some of the best IPA brewers in the country continue to value and innovate with the classic “C-hops”—Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook. These 20th-century hops remain a foundational element in American craft brewing, offering timeless flavors that continue to be relevant.
Before the advent of Citra and its contemporaries, the craft beer world was dominated by the distinctive citrusy and fruity profiles of the “C-hops.” As Firestone Walker brewmaster Matt Brynildson notes in the foreword to Mitch Steele’s IPA: Brewing Techniques, Recipes, and the Evolution of India Pale Ale (2012), these hops have played a crucial role in defining the character of American craft ales.
However, with the rise of hops like Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy, Nectaron, and Lotus, which impart flavors of guava, melon, tropical punch, coconut, mandarin, and lychee, one might question the relevance of the classic C-hops in contemporary brewing.
Despite this shift, the numbers tell a compelling story. In 2023, farmers in the Pacific Northwest harvested 14.6 million pounds of Cascade, Centennial, and Chinook. Additionally, growers east of the Mississippi River have cultivated Chinook into a unique brand, further demonstrating the enduring appeal of these hops.
Brewers are not only maintaining their use of these classic hops but are also discovering new ways to employ them in modern IPAs. This ongoing experimentation and innovation prove that while the flavor profiles of 21st-century hops are exciting, the timeless qualities of 20th-century C-hops remain invaluable in crafting distinctive and memorable beers.
