Ahtanum®

Bred by Yakima Chief Ranches, Ahtanum® YCR 1 cv. is an aroma-type cultivar used for its aromatic properties and moderate bittering. The variety is named after the location where Charles Carpenter established the first hop farm east of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State in 1869.

Ahtanum® is often likened to Cascade though it is less bitter, has lower alpha acids and its grapefruit essence is significantly more pronounced. So it would be more accurate to say that Ahtanum could be an acceptable substitute for Cascade. Also similar to Willamette, it has strong notes of lemon and grapefruit. Ahtanum’s distinct citrus character led to it being used as the singular hop in Dogfish Head’s Blood Orange Hefeweizen and Stone Brewing’s Pale Ale.

Ahtanum hops are used extensively as an aroma hop with some bittering qualities in American IPA’s, lagers, and pale ales. The pleasant citrus grapefruit characteristics are complemented with floral and earthy aromas and sometimes with peppery and pine aspects. Warmly aromatic and moderately bittering, Ahtanum® is a hop of distinction.

Ahtanum Hops Substitutes

Ahtanum hops are one of the most popular hops used in brewing, and they offer a unique flavour profile that is perfect for many styles of beer. If you’re looking for a substitute for Ahtanum hops, there are several options available. Cascade and Chinook hops are both similar in terms of bitterness and aromatics, so either one would make a good substitution. Alternatively, Amarillo or Centennial hops can also be used as a substitute for Ahtanum.

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