Southwest Michigan is an ideal region to grow hops for many of the same reasons why fruit has been produced here since the 1860s—rich soils and Lake Effect weather. At Hop Head Farms, we have taken great care when deciding where to plant. In fact, 80% of our fields are located within 10 miles or less of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Michigan is second only to California in its diversity of agriculture and is fourth largest hop producing state. Hops thrive in Michigan’s fertile soil, ample water, and abundant sunshine. In this historic fruit belt, the glacial soils are predominantly sandy loams where hops thrive. The soil drains well and promotes rapid, deep root development. The soil also contains just the right amount of clay content to make it very fertile and hold moisture for plants to thrive.
Our hop aromas and flavors are unique to many of the varieties grown on Hop Head Farms. Compared to other growing regions, we are most like the Hallertau in Bavaria because we share a Humid Continental climate classification. Our prominent floral and spice notes for our Zuper Saazer, for example, affirm the link of climate and varietal character and quality.
With this knowledge in hand, we are committed to raising the varieties that thrive in our wonderful Southwest Michigan terroir. While the names may be same, and their characteristics similar and familiar, Michigan hops express the unique terroir of the region
Hops from Michigan allow the brewer to taste the place where they were grown and bring in unique flavors from classic varieties.
Michigan Cascade and Centennial, both true to the profile of other growing regions, but exhibiting juicier citrus top-notes than other growing regions.
Michigan Chinook checks all the boxes of spice, pine, resinous, with bright aromas of juicy pineapple unique to the region.
Michigan Cashmere exhibits wonderful fruity, lemon-lime, melon, and peach aromas with top notes of lemongrass.
Hop Head Farms delivers the finest hops, hand-selected from the world’s great hop-growing regions. From our very own fields in Southwest Michigan, to direct-from-the farm relationships with select growers in Europe, and the best farms throughout the Pacific Northwest and around the globe.
We bring together unmatched farming, sensory and industry expertise to help you obtain world-class hops, with consistent true-to-type flavor and aroma characteristics, so you can always brew your best.
Hop Head Farms LLC
4630 W. Hickory Road
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Phone: 269-280-0522
Fax: 269-671-4460
Sales & Customer Service Email
sales@hopheadfarms.com
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