Idaho 7
Released in 2015 by Jackson Hop Farm in Wilder, Idaho, Idaho 7® (brand name “007”) has quickly become a staple in the craft brewing industry. It is prized for its high oil content, which delivers a multi-layered sensory experience. Unlike some tropical hops that can be one-dimensional, Idaho 7® balances massive notes of overripe tropical fruit and apricot with a distinct dank, earthy, and piney backbone. Some brewers also report a pleasant “black tea” or herbal character in the finish. Its high alpha acid content and smooth bittering profile make it exceptionally versatile, performing brilliantly as a standalone hop in single-hop IPAs or as a complex late-addition blender.
Key Benefits
- Pungent Tropical Intensity: Delivers “New World” levels of mango and pineapple aromatics.
- Complex Balance: Layers juicy fruit with resinous pine and subtle herbal/tea notes.
- High Oil Impact: One of the most oil-rich varieties, ensuring flavor carries through heavy malt bills.
- Versatile Dual-Purpose: Provides high-quality bittering along with world-class aromatics.
Applications
- Brewing: Essential for NEIPAs, West Coast IPAs, Pale Ales, and “Modern” Lagers.
- Distilling: A premium botanical for contemporary gins seeking a tropical and resinous top note.
- Cider Making: Adds a bright, “tropical punch” layer to crisp apple ciders.
- Winemaking: Used in botanical infusions for modern white vermouths or aromatic aperitifs.
Typical Usage
- Aroma/Flavour: Traditionally added during the final 10–0 minutes of the boil or in the whirlpool.
- Dry Hopping: 5–12g per litre to fully extract the signature mango and pine resins.
- Bittering: Very effective early in the boil for a stable and clean structural bitterness.
Technical Data
- Alpha Acids: 13.0% – 15.0%
- Beta Acids: 4.0% – 5.0%
- Total Oil: 1.0 – 2.0 ml/100g
- Co-Humulone: 30% – 40% of alpha acids
- Myrcene: 45% – 55% of total oil
Storage and Handling
Store in cold, dry conditions at temperatures between -1°C and 5°C. Idaho 7® has good storage stability, but its specific tropical fruit esters are highly sensitive to oxidation. To protect its vibrant mango and pine character, always keep in original vacuum-sealed, oxygen-barrier packaging.
Summary
The definitive “juicy-meets-dank” hop; Idaho 7® provides the massive tropical fruit impact and resinous complexity required for the boldest modern craft beverages.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.