Hop Identification - Ask Extension
Hello,The attached photo is of a variety of hop for which family brought me a rhizome from the mountains near Colorado Springs. My efforts to identi...
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Hop Identification #212805
Asked September 16, 2014, 7:09 PM EDT
Hello,
The attached photo is of a variety of hop for which family brought me a rhizome from the mountains near Colorado Springs. My efforts to identify the specific variety have run into dead ends. Unique characteristics which would seem to help in the identification process include the five-frond leaf shape with long fingers at the outer tips, small (approximately one-inch) cones with an open structure, and red veins in the leaf stems (and vines). Any help, or resources you can provide, are sincerely appreciated.
Sincerely,
Brandon Erdmann
Albany County Wyoming
Expert Response
Brandon,
Hops identification to a variety or strain may be impossible without lab testing. Leaves are variable in size and shape. You may find leaves with 1, 3, 5, and 7 lobes on the same plant. Cones can be helpful in identification but multiple varieties can look similar. Even a trained eye would have a difficult time identifying specific varieties and strains.
Assuming this is an American variety, your hops cones look similar to 'golding' 'chinook' and 'saaz'
Here are a couple of online resources you might find helpful.
http://www.hopunion.com/hop-varieties/
http://www.skotrat.com/skotrat/hops.cfm
Lastly, you may be forced to conduct multiple home brew and taste test experiments to help answer your questions. Aroma and flavor can help in the identification process.
Cheers!
Hops identification to a variety or strain may be impossible without lab testing. Leaves are variable in size and shape. You may find leaves with 1, 3, 5, and 7 lobes on the same plant. Cones can be helpful in identification but multiple varieties can look similar. Even a trained eye would have a difficult time identifying specific varieties and strains.
Assuming this is an American variety, your hops cones look similar to 'golding' 'chinook' and 'saaz'
Here are a couple of online resources you might find helpful.
http://www.hopunion.com/hop-varieties/
http://www.skotrat.com/skotrat/hops.cfm
Lastly, you may be forced to conduct multiple home brew and taste test experiments to help answer your questions. Aroma and flavor can help in the identification process.
Cheers!
