Chinook Hops

Chinook Hop Profile

Chinook was originally released as a high alpha variety by the USDA breeding program in Washington state in 1985. Chinook has since been celebrated as a well-rounded, dual-purpose hop that's suited for many different styles, especially adding depth to West Coast IPAs and other modern ale styles. Its predominantly spicy and piney character carries smoothly into both flavor and aroma, while bright grapefruit accentuates its clean bitterness. Bearing its namesake from the Chinook people — an indigenous tribe of the Pacific Northwest — this hop has become a distinctive contributor to the identity of American craft brewing.

Pro tip: Chinook is noted for its high geraniol content, which is biotransformed by yeast into citronellol — a highly sought-after aroma compound in fruit-forward IPAs. This is just one of the reasons why we recommend Chinook as one of the Top Hops For Hazy IPAs.

CHINOOK HOP BREWING VALUES

Aroma: Fruity, Piney, Spicy, and similar to cascade.
Alpha Acid: 12.0 to 14.0%
Typical Usage: Dual purpose
Cohumulone (% of Alpha Acids): 29 - 35%
Total Oil (mL/100g): 1.7 - 2.7
Myrcene (% of Total Oil): 35 - 40
Humulene (% of Total Oil): 18 - 23
Caryophyllene (% of Total Oil): 9 - 11
Farnesene (% of Total Oil): <1

CHINOOK HOP SUBSTITUTIONS 

Chinook hops carry a lot of the same characteristics as Columbus, Nugget, and Warrior, making these hops the perfect candidates for substitutions. Their high Alpha Acids are great for IPA and American style ales. 

Updated Dec. 2025