Do you love the fresh, piney flavor of your beer? That bold, earthy taste comes from pine-flavored hops like Simcoe, Chinook, CTZ, Centennial, Idaho 7, and Amarillo. These hops are why beers have that crisp, forest-like flavor. But, how do they compare with each other? In this blog, we’ll explain what makes each of these hops unique, compare their flavors, and share which beer styles they’re best for. Plus, we’ll include an easy recipe so you can brew your own piney craft beer at home.
Let’s jump in!
Simcoe Hops
Simcoe hops have a fresh, clean pine taste that’s balanced with earthy and resin-like notes. What makes Simcoe special is its fruity hints, like tropical fruit and berries, which make it perfect for IPAs and pale ales that need a mix of pine and fruit flavors. A great example of Simcoe’s bold pine taste is Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA.
Chinook Hops
Chinook hops have a much stronger and sharper pine flavor compared to Simcoe. They also bring a bit of spice and a hint of grapefruit and citrus flavor which adds a zesty and bold touch to beers. Chinook is great for IPAs, pale ales, and even stouts.
CTZ Hops
CTZ hops have a classic pine taste with a crisp, resin-like finish. There are no fruity tones, just a bold pine taste with earthy and spicy undertones. CTZ is a go-to hop for beers like IPAs and pale ales when brewers want a strong pine flavor with a straightforward and fresh feel.
Centennial Hops
Centennial hops bring a mix of pine, citrus, and floral aromas. Centennials are often called “Super Cascade” because they are similar to Cascade hops but with more balance. They are a great all-around hop. Centennial is perfect for IPAs and pale ales. A great example of Centennial hops is Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale, which is known for its smooth, balanced mix of pine and citrus notes.
Idaho 7 Hops
If you’re looking for a more modern hop with both pine and tropical fruit, Idaho 7 is a great option. They offer a strong pine resin character, along with tropical fruit and citrus. This combination makes Idaho 7 a great choice for hazy IPAs and juicy pale ales. They will give a unique twist with their bold pine flavor and fruity complexity.
Amarillo Hops
Amarillo is mostly known for its floral and citrus notes, but it also brings subtle pine flavors. These hops are often used in American ales and are great for adding a refreshing, layered depth to the beer. When paired with other hops, the piney notes of Amarillo come through nicely, balancing out the floral and citrus characteristics.
How to Brew a Pine-Flavored Beer
Ready to brew your own piney beers? Here’s a simple recipe for a pine-forward IPA that captures the essence of the hops discussed above.
Pine-Flavored IPA Recipe
Ingredients:
- 10 lbs Pale Ale Malt
- 1 lb Crystal Malt
- 1 oz Chinook hops (bittering)
- 1 oz Simcoe hops (flavoring)
- 1 oz Centennial hops (aroma)
- 1 oz Chinook hops (dry hopping)
- 1 packet American Ale Yeast
- 1 tsp Irish moss (optional for clarity)
- Water (adjusted for brewing)
Instructions:
- Mash the Grains:
- Heat 3 gallons of water to 152°F and mash the Pale Ale and Crystal malts for 60 minutes. Sparge with an additional 3 gallons of water at 170°F.
- Boil and Add Hops:
- Bring the wort to a rolling boil. Add 1 oz Chinook hops at the start for bittering. At the 30-minute mark, add Simcoe hops for flavor. With 10 minutes remaining, add Centennial hops for aroma.
- Fermentation:
- Cool the wort to 68°F and transfer it to a sanitized fermenter. Pitch the yeast and ferment for 7-10 days.
- Dry Hopping:
- Add 1 oz of Northern Brewer hops to the fermenter after primary fermentation for an additional 3-5 days.
- Bottle or Keg:
- Once fermentation is complete, bottle or keg the beer and carbonate. Let it condition for 2-3 weeks for the flavors to meld perfectly.
Michigan-Grown Hops for Pine-Lovers
At Hop Head Farms, we grow top-quality Michigan hops that are perfect for beers with piney flavors. Whether you’re brewing with Simcoe, Chinook, or Centennial, our hops bring fresh aroma and flavor to your beer.
Get the best hops from Hop Head Farms today!
Key Takeaways
- Hops that taste like pine: Simcoe, Chinook, Northern Brewer, Centennial, Idaho 7, and Amarillo.
- Famous beers with pine hops: Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA, and Anchor Steam Beer.
- Brewing tip: Combine piney hops with balanced malts and proper dry hopping for a bold, resinous IPA.
FAQs
Q. What hops give a pine flavor?
A. If you’re looking for that bold, piney flavor in your beer, hops like Simcoe, Chinook, Northern Brewer, Centennial, and Idaho 7 are your go-to choices. These hops give beer that classic “pine needle” or “tree resin” taste that’s perfect for IPAs and pale ales.
Q. Does IPA taste like pine?
A. Ever wondered why some IPAs remind you of a walk through a pine forest? It’s because they use hops like Simcoe and Chinook, which add that piney punch. But not every IPA is the same—some are more fruity, citrusy, or even floral. It all depends on the hops the brewer chooses!
Q. Are hops pine cones?
A. Nope, hops aren’t pine cones—but they might fool you at first glance! They’re actually the flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant. Brewers love them because they’re the secret to a beer’s bitterness, flavor, and aroma. Pine cones? Not so much.
Q. What is a piney taste?
A. A piney taste is exactly what it sounds like—it’s like sipping on the essence of a pine forest! Think of the smell of pine needles, sap, or tree resin. In beer, this earthy, woodsy flavor makes the brew bold and unforgettable. If you love that outdoorsy vibe, piney beers are a must-try!
Q. What is a piney scent?
A. A piney scent smells like a forest full of pine trees. It’s fresh, woodsy, and slightly earthy, with hints of resin or sap. Think of the clean, crisp aroma you get when standing near a pine tree or smelling pine needles. In beer, this scent often comes from hops like Simcoe or Chinook.
Q. What does cedar taste like?
A. Cedar has a flavor that’s warm, woodsy, and slightly spicy, with a hint of sweetness. It’s not commonly found in beer but is sometimes used in brewing to create unique, earthy flavors. Imagine the aroma of a cedar chest—it’s a little like tasting the essence of nature!
