Chinook (T90 Pellet) was developed by the USDA breeding programme in Washington State and released in 1985 as a high-alpha variety. It delivers a powerful, resinous pine and spice character with underlying grapefruit notes. Excellent for bittering or as a bold aroma hop in American-style IPAs and pale ales.
Alpha Acids: 12–14% | Beta Acids: 3–4%
Works brilliantly as a 60-minute bittering hop in American IPAs. Pairs well with Citra and Simcoe for a resinous, tropical West Coast IPA. Ferment with Gervin GV12 Ale Yeast. Browse all hops: T90 Hop Pellets Full Range
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Chinook hops taste like?
Chinook is bold and resinous: pine and spice up front, grapefruit underneath, with a rustic, slightly smoky edge. It's assertive at every stage — one of the defining flavours of old-school American IPA.
Are Chinook hops for bittering or aroma?
Both. At 12–14% alpha it's an efficient, punchy bittering hop, and late or dry hop additions bring big pine-grapefruit aroma. It also works surprisingly well in stouts and porters, where the pine complements roasted malt.
What can I substitute for Chinook hops?
Columbus (CTZ) is the usual bittering substitute, and Simcoe covers the pine-fruit aroma side at similar alpha. Northern Brewer works in darker styles.
Full Technical Spec Sheet
| Origin | USA (Washington State, USDA, released 1985) |
| Alpha Acids | 12–14% |
| Beta Acids | 3–4% |
| Type | Dual-purpose, high-alpha |
| Flavour | Resinous pine, spice, grapefruit |
| Best use | 60-minute bittering in American IPAs |
| Pairs with | Citra, Simcoe |
| Styles | West Coast IPA |