MSU Extension Hops

The Hop Quality Group and Hop Growers of America recently announced the 7^th Annual Cascade Cup! Hop producers across the U.S. who submit a brewer’s cut of dried whole cone Cascade hops will be eligible for the most prestigious of all annual awards conferred by the Hop Quality Group. You guessed it! The Cascade Cup. Brewing professionals from the Hop Quality Group will determine the winning farm based upon blind comparisons of hop appearance, aroma, and USDA hop analysis from submitted brewer’s cut samples. The Hop Quality Group is non-profit organization developed to advocate for and ensure a sustainable supply of high quality hops for the U.S. craft brewing industry.

Judging will take place at the American Hop Convention in Monterey, CA. Only one winner will be awarded the distinguished “Cascade Cup” in addition to an assortment of fine beverages brewed by members of the Hop Quality Group. The winner will be announced on the morning of Jan. 25, 2019 at the morning convention general session. Please consider submitting a sample. As a reminder, the 2017 competition was the first year a grower outside of the Pacific Northwest placed in the top five. Congratulations to Hop Head Farms for this tremendous feat last year.

To submit a sample, hop producers will need to submit one brewer’s cut of whole leaf Cascade hops along with USDA hop analysis and lot number. If possible, please include harvest date, growing location, age of root stock, and yield. Only one sample is allowed per farm. Brewer’s cut samples must be received by Jan. 1, 2019 to be considered for the competition. All hops will be refrigerated until the competition commences. Producers interested in participating should send their hops sample to:

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Att: Andrew Reyes/Cascade Cup

1075 East 20^th Street

Chico, CA 95928

Please continue to visit Michigan State University Extension’s hop webpage or the MSU Hops News Facebook site for up to date information.