General Description

Having been released in the year 2000, simcoe has quickly become extremely popular with home brewers due to its high Alpha Acids, making it an excellent foundational bittering hop, but also praised for its fruity, yet earthy herbal and piney aroma being a favourite of home brewers.

Characteristics

Alpha Acids: 12 – 14%

Beta Acids: 4 – 5% 

Primary usage: Dual Purpose (Aromatic and Bittering)

Aromatic character: Citrus, earthy, grapefruit, pine, herbs

Complimentary beer styles

This hop strain is best used in beer styles such as:

Double India Pale Ale

India Pale Ale

Pale Ale

Due to its high Alpha Acids and pleasant aromatic qualities.

Substitutes

Summit

Keep in mind that alpha acid differences in substitutes may need to be accounted for when weighing out your quantities.

Storage

Colder is better when storing hops as the rate of loss halves for every 15°C lowered in temperature. Optimal storage conditions for hops are between -21°C - 0°C in a sealed, airtight environment.

Shelf life

If stored in ideal conditions your hops will only experience a rate of deterioration of about 10% for every 6 months stored. An unopened packet of hop pellets can effectively last up to 4 years in ideal conditions, though keep in mind that the rate of deterioration increases at higher temperatures and unsealed environments.