History and Development
Chinook was released by the USDA in 1985, developed at the USDA-ARS Hop Research Program in Prosser, Washington. It was bred primarily as a high-alpha hop to reduce the quantity needed for bittering, but its distinctive aroma profile quickly caught the attention of early craft brewers seeking bolder flavours than traditional European hops could provide.
Named after the Chinook people of the Pacific Northwest, the hop embodies the rugged, coniferous character of the region. It grows vigorously in the Yakima Valley and Pacific Northwest and remains one of the most widely planted American varieties.
Flavour Profile: Bold and Resinous
Chinook is defined by its intense pine and grapefruit aroma, with underlying notes of spice, black pepper and smoke. At high addition rates it can take on a catty or diesel-like edge — a hallmark of several classic West Coast IPAs. The bitterness is assertive and clean, with alpha acids typically running 12–14 %.
Total oil content is moderate at 1.5–2.5 ml/100g, with high levels of myrcene contributing to the resinous, herbal quality. When used as a dry hop, the smoke and spice notes recede and the grapefruit-pine character becomes more pronounced.
Classic Bittering and Dual-Purpose Use
Chinook was originally valued as a bittering hop because its high alpha acid percentage means less is needed to hit target IBU. This makes it cost-efficient in commercial brewing. However, many craft brewers also use it as an aroma hop, particularly in West Coast IPAs where the resinous character is desirable.
A common approach is to use Chinook for 60-minute bittering additions and then pair it with more aromatic varieties like Cascade, Centennial or Amarillo for late additions and dry-hopping.
Best Pairings and Styles
Chinook is the backbone of the classic American IPA, particularly the West Coast style. It pairs brilliantly with Cascade (the traditional combination), Centennial for citrus balance, and Simcoe for added complexity. It also works in American amber ales, red ales and barleywines where bold bitterness is welcome.
For a traditional Pacific Northwest experience, try a single-hop Chinook IPA. The full range of its pine, grapefruit and spice character becomes clear without other hops competing.
Notable Chinook Beers
Sierra Nevada's classic Torpedo Extra IPA prominently features Chinook. Many of the defining craft IPAs of the 1990s and early 2000s were built on Chinook's backbone. It remains a standard in homebrew shops worldwide and is a rite of passage for any brewer wanting to understand the American hop tradition.