Simcoe Hops was released in 2000 by the Yakima Chief Ranch in Washington State. Its one of those hops that are closely associated with India Pale Ales, but its capacity does not stop there. Simcoe is used almost to obsession in varying ales, predominantly by American Craft Brewers. Its parents are unknown but is compared to Cascade Hops.
Simcoe Hops is a dual purpose hops with high bittering potential. The alpha acid content comes in at 12.0%-14.0% with a relatively low beta acid content of 4.0%-5.0%. The co-humulone for this variety is very low (among the lowest) at 12.0%-15.0%. In total this makes Simcoe a good choice for foundational type bittering in beer. Simcoe is also known for its aromatic qualities. And is described as both fruity and an herbal piney earthy fragrance. The myrcene oil content is a skyrocketing 60.0%-65.0% which is among the highest. And naturally this leaves the other oils at a deficit from the norm with the humulene oil content at 10.0%-15.0%, and the caryophyllene oil content at 5.0-%-8.0%. The aroma in Simcoe Hops is complex, and this is part of what explains its popularity with bold hop heavy ales.
Simcoe Hops is a heavy yielding plant at 2300-2500 lbs/acre, which is a theme from some of the Yakima varieties. The bright yellow lupulin comes from the medium size hop cones mid season after a moderately vigorous growing season. Going with the times, Simcoe has been bred for disease resistance which includes powdery mildew and sperotheca. As mentioned, Simcoe has made itself known for the American craft brewing and home brewing warriors, and is available. – Beerlegends
