Cashmere Hops Cuddles: Best Beer Styles for a Hoppy Embrace

Reading Time: around 13 min

Cashmere hops are the cool kids on the block in the hop world. And they’re here to revamp your brew like a fresh coat of paint on an old fence. They’re like the secret ingredient your grandma wouldn’t tell you about. Until now.

With their unique flavor profile that throws a tropical party in your mouth, cashmere hops are staking their claim in the craft beer garden. Particularly in crowd favorites like IPAs and Pale Ales.

Alright, so you’re plotting your next homebrew adventure.

And wondering where cashmere hops fit into your master plan.

Picture this. A hop that marries smooth bitterness with a burst of lemon, lime, peach, and melon. It’s like a fruit salad that’s done a keg stand. Versatile in the brewing process, these hops are a game-changer from the first boil to the final dry hop.

Adding complexity that’s as exciting as finding an onion ring in your fries.

Key Takeaways

Cashmere hops offer a tropical and fruity flavor, perfect for sprucing up your beer.
They shine in styles like IPA and Pale Ale, enhancing these beers with their unique character.
These hops are versatile, making them an excellent choice for various brewing stages.

The Birth of Cashmere Hops

Get ready to hop on a history ride because you’re about to discover the origin story of the suave Cashmere hops. It’s a tale of science, nature, and a bit of quirky ingenuity that gave us this rockstar of the hop world.

University Research and Development

Washington State University (WSU) took a wild leap into the hop breeding pool.

And boy, did they make a splash. They spearheaded a public hop breeding program so cool that it would make even the nerdiest plant scientists do a double-take.

Imagine lab coats and beer mugs clinking in celebration as they churned out the hop-child known as Cashmere. This wasn’t your average Joe kind of research.

Think of it as a hop haven where brilliance blooms alongside bines.

Cashmere Hops Pedigree

Alright, let’s chat bloodlines. Cashmere doesn’t hail from just any old plants. Its parents are the venerable Cascade and the understated yet sturdy Northern Brewer. This dynamic duo was like the Brad and Angelina of the hop world.

Producing an offspring that’s got all the charm with none of the tabloid drama. You’ve got Cascade’s grapefruit pizzazz and Northern Brewer’s grounding earthiness. Mingling together to create something that’s downright sip-worthy.

So, when you’re sipping on a brew that’s got that smooth bitterness…

..that just kisses your tongue, thank Cashmere’s classy lineage and the brew-savvy brains at WSU. It’s like they knew we needed this hop to jazz up our beers, add a dash of citrus and floral notes, and keep us coming back for more.

Sensory Expedition: Aroma and Flavor

Buckle up, because you’re about to take your nose and taste buds on a hoppy joyride. Cashmere hops are like Chuck Norris in a brewer’s toolkit. Versatile, laden with lush flavors, and just a treat to sniff.

Main Characteristics

Purpose: Dual / Universal
Aromas: Lemon, Lime, Melon, Stone Fruits
Notes: Peach, Herbal, Spicy, Coconut
Alpha-acids: 7.7% – 9.1% [bitterness added through boiling]
Beta-acids: 3.3% – 7.1% [bitterness added through lagering]
Cohumulone: 22% – 24% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
Hops oil breakdown: 1.2 – 1.4 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
- Myrcene: 39% – 42% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
- Humulene: 26% – 29% [noble, woody, spicy]
- Caryophyllene: 11% – 13% [spicy, piney, herbal]
- Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]

Breaking Down the Flavor Profile

Ready to dissect some flavors?

Think of Cashmere hops as the fruit basket of the brewing world. You’ll first notice the bold citrus punch. We’re talking a zesty jamboree of lemon and lime that’ll twirl on your palate.

But wait, there’s more. As if you’ve bitten into an exotic fruit platter, be prepared for splashes of melon and peach. Sweetness mingled with a touch of tropical bliss.

Bold Citrus: Lemon, Lime
Exotic Sweetness: Melon, Peach
Hint of Tropics: Tropical Fruit

Aromas: From Citrus to Stone Fruit

As you nose-dive into the aromatics…

…Cashmere hops greet you with a fanfare of citrus aromas.

It’s like you stuck your head in a lemon-lime cocktail! But the party doesn’t stop there. It sways towards a stone fruit soiree, where peachy vibes keep the mingle going.

Intertwined with these are whispers of coconut and a sprinkle of herbal whispers. A flair that might make you think of sipping a pina colada in a herb garden. Get ready for olfactory high-fives with each sniff!

Citrus Extravaganza: Lemon, Lime
Stone Fruit Bash: Peach
Subtle Twists: Coconut, Herbal Whispers

Laugh in the face of bland beers!

With Cashmere’s sensory fireworks, your brew is…

…guaranteed to make taste buds dance and noses rejoice.

Decoding the Chemistry: Alpha and Beta Acids

Before you dive into that brew, let’s geek out on some hop science. Alpha and beta acids are the dynamic duo behind the bitterness and stability in your beer. Their intricate dance gives Cashmere hops their charm.

Understanding the Acidic Alchemy

Think of alpha acids as the Avengers of your beer. They swoop in during the boil and save the day by transforming into iso-alpha acids. Which bring the bitterness that balances out the sweetness. The alpha acid content in hops can vary.

But for Cashmere, you’re looking at a moderate level.

This isn’t some sort of hop Hulk.

Think more of a Black Widow – subtle, but packs a punch.

Alpha acid range for Cashmere Hops: Typically around 7.7-9.1%
Co-humulone levels: Moderately low at 22-24%

A lower alpha-beta ratio means a smoother bitterness in your pint and Cashmere nails this. It’s the kind of bitterness that’s like a friend’s playful jab. Noticeable but doesn’t leave a mark.

The Essential Oil Ensemble

The total oil content of Cashmere hops clocks in at about 1.2-1.4 ml/100g, which is sort of like having just the right playlist for your road trip. It’s enough to set the mood without overpowering the journey.

Total oils (ml/100g): 1.2-1.4
Key Players: Myrcene, Humulene, Caryophyllene, Farnesene

It’s the oil composition that leads the conga line of flavors in your beer.

Cashmere hops have this cocktail of oils that can turn your brew into a tropical getaway. Myrcene, the life of the party, teases with fruitiness. Humulene brings herbal notes, like that one friend who’s into meditation and keeps things grounded.

Caryophyllene whispers hints of spice, and Farnesene?

More on the lower end, but can add a twist of fresh charm.

So when you’re brewing that next batch and you want a flavor that says “I’m complex but fun,” think Cashmere hops. They’re the kind of hops that don’t need a fancy costume to crash the flavor party.

Fancy yourself a brew chemist and let the acids and oils do the tango in your tank.

Styling it Right: Perfect Beer Styles for Cashmere

Buckle up, brewmaster! We’re about to match the rockstar Cashmere hop with its beer style soulmates. High on flavor, low on bitterness, Cashmere is the hop that’ll make your beers sing better than a tipsy karaoke star.

Style Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Oz per gallon	Max of Oz per gallon	Min of Oz per batch [5gal]	Max of Oz per batch [5gal]	Average of Oz per gallon
American IPA	Aroma	–	1.2	0.01	6	0.24
	Bittering	0.02	0.67	0.1	3.33	0.2
	Dry Hop	0.06	1.2	0.32	6	0.35
	First Wort	0.01	0.18	0.05	0.9	0.07
	Flavor	0.04	0.4	0.22	2	0.17
	Hop Stand	0.15	0.36	0.76	1.82	0.26
	Mash	0.04	0.04	0.18	0.18	0.04
	Whirlpool	0.02	1.45	0.11	7.27	0.28
American IPA Total		–	1.45	0.01	7.27	0.26
New England IPA	Aroma	0.03	0.6	0.13	3	0.22
	Bittering	0.03	0.28	0.13	1.41	0.16
	Dry Hop	0.08	1.33	0.42	6.65	0.33
	First Wort	0.03	0.5	0.14	2.5	0.11
	Flavor	0.04	0.3	0.2	1.52	0.11
	Hop Stand	0.18	0.48	0.91	2.38	0.28
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.95	0.18	4.77	0.26
New England IPA Total		0.03	1.33	0.13	6.65	0.25
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.06	0.51	0.29	2.55	0.2
	Bittering	0.03	1.33	0.17	6.67	0.17
	Dry Hop	0.06	1.34	0.3	6.68	0.33
	First Wort	0.04	0.19	0.2	0.95	0.09
	Flavor	0.05	0.29	0.25	1.43	0.12
	Hop Stand	0.18	0.33	0.91	1.67	0.26
	Whirlpool	0.06	0.91	0.32	4.55	0.2
American Pale Ale Total		0.03	1.34	0.17	6.68	0.21
Blonde Ale	Aroma	0.03	0.44	0.17	2.22	0.21
	Bittering	0.06	0.17	0.32	0.83	0.1
	Dry Hop	0.02	0.4	0.08	2	0.17
	First Wort	0.09	0.09	0.47	0.47	0.09
	Flavor	0.05	0.17	0.23	0.83	0.08
	Hop Stand	0.17	0.33	0.83	1.67	0.26
	Whirlpool	0.17	0.18	0.87	0.91	0.18
Blonde Ale Total		0.02	0.44	0.08	2.22	0.17
Double IPA	Aroma	0.12	0.73	0.62	3.64	0.39
	Bittering	0.07	0.12	0.37	0.62	0.1
	Dry Hop	0.11	0.71	0.53	3.56	0.31
	Flavor	0.11	0.4	0.53	2	0.23
	Hop Stand	0.18	0.67	0.91	3.34	0.44
	Whirlpool	0.13	0.55	0.65	2.73	0.37
Double IPA Total		0.07	0.73	0.37	3.64	0.33
Saison	Aroma	0.03	0.33	0.17	1.67	0.18
	Bittering	0.06	0.2	0.28	1	0.14
	Dry Hop	0.09	0.33	0.45	1.67	0.22
	First Wort	0.04	0.04	0.2	0.2	0.04
	Flavor	0.09	0.36	0.45	1.82	0.23
	Whirlpool	0.04	0.5	0.19	2.5	0.17
Saison Total		0.03	0.5	0.17	2.5	0.18

Style Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Grams per liter	Max of Grams per liter	Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Average of Grams per liter
American IPA	Aroma	0.01	8.99	0.25	179.74	1.79
	Bittering	0.15	4.99	3	99.86	1.53
	Dry Hop	0.47	8.99	9.49	179.74	2.66
	First Wort	0.08	1.35	1.61	27	0.56
	Flavor	0.32	3	6.48	60	1.24
	Hop Stand	1.14	2.72	22.73	54.47	1.93
	Mash	0.26	0.26	5.28	5.28	0.26
	Whirlpool	0.16	10.89	3.15	217.87	2.1
American IPA Total		0.01	10.89	0.25	217.87	1.98
New England IPA	Aroma	0.19	4.49	3.77	89.87	1.62
	Bittering	0.2	2.11	4	42.11	1.21
	Dry Hop	0.63	9.96	12.5	199.28	2.48
	First Wort	0.2	3.74	4.08	74.89	0.77
	Flavor	0.3	2.28	6	45.67	0.82
	Hop Stand	1.36	3.57	27.23	71.43	2.11
	Whirlpool	0.27	7.14	5.45	142.86	1.94
New England IPA Total		0.19	9.96	3.77	199.28	1.91
American Pale Ale	Aroma	0.43	3.81	8.7	76.25	1.5
	Bittering	0.26	9.99	5.22	199.71	1.3
	Dry Hop	0.45	10	9.09	200	2.44
	First Wort	0.29	1.43	5.88	28.53	0.64
	Flavor	0.37	2.14	7.4	42.8	0.91
	Hop Stand	1.36	2.5	27.23	50	1.95
	Whirlpool	0.48	6.81	9.52	136.17	1.48
American Pale Ale Total		0.26	10	5.22	200	1.61
Blonde Ale	Aroma	0.25	3.33	5	66.57	1.59
	Bittering	0.48	1.25	9.53	24.96	0.76
	Dry Hop	0.12	3	2.38	60	1.29
	First Wort	0.7	0.7	14	14	0.7
	Flavor	0.34	1.25	6.81	24.96	0.63
	Hop Stand	1.25	2.5	24.96	49.93	1.95
	Whirlpool	1.3	1.36	26.05	27.23	1.33
Blonde Ale Total		0.12	3.33	2.38	66.57	1.25
Double IPA	Aroma	0.93	5.45	18.52	108.93	2.95
	Bittering	0.56	0.93	11.11	18.52	0.77
	Dry Hop	0.79	5.33	15.77	106.51	2.29
	Flavor	0.79	3	15.77	59.91	1.69
	Hop Stand	1.36	5	27.23	100	3.31
	Whirlpool	0.97	4.08	19.33	81.7	2.79
Double IPA Total		0.56	5.45	11.11	108.93	2.45
Saison	Aroma	0.25	2.5	5	49.93	1.35
	Bittering	0.42	1.5	8.33	30	1.03
	Dry Hop	0.68	2.5	13.62	49.93	1.65
	First Wort	0.3	0.3	6	6	0.3
	Flavor	0.68	2.72	13.62	54.47	1.76
	Whirlpool	0.29	3.74	5.72	74.89	1.28
Saison Total		0.25	3.74	5	74.89	1.35

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

The Classics: IPAs and Pale Ales

IPAs: Take a classic American IPA. Now, imagine it getting a fruit facelift. That’s what adding Cashmere can do. Your IPA will flaunt flavors of peach, tangerine, and coconut. Here’s the pro tip: toss in Cashmere towards the end of the boil or during dry-hopping.

This move keeps the aromatic concert at full volume.

Boil: 1-2 oz for the last 15 minutes.
Dry hopping: 2-3 oz for 5-7 days for that aroma that smacks you with awesomeness.

Pale Ales: Love a good ol’ Pale Ale? Get this: Cashmere is like the dash of unexpected spice in grandma’s secret recipe. It’s the twist that takes “yawn” to “yowza!” With Cashmere, expect a citrusy, herbal dance on your palate.

Boil: 0.5 oz during the last 10 minutes.
Dry hopping: If you dare, 1 oz for a week.

Adventurous Brewing: Sours and Wild Ales

Moving to the wild side with Sours and Wild Ales, are we?

You cheeky brewer. Cashmere hops drop a fruit bomb in these tangy, funky brews. You’ll be sipping on a symphony of lemon, lime, melon. And who knows, maybe the secrets of the universe will reveal themselves!

Boil: Beam in 1 oz at flameout and let ’em skinny dip in the hot tub.
Secondary Fermentation: Add 1 oz if you’re feeling sassy. Aged sours with Cashmere = chef’s kiss!

Sour up a Saison or saunter down the Saisons.

Hint: Cashmere at flameout adds a citrusy zing…

…that’ll impress even that snobby “beer connoisseur” friend.

Cashmere hops are your ticket to the big leagues of craft beer and homebrew fame. Just remember, this hop is not about bitter battles. It’s about flavor fiestas. So go ahead, brew bold, my friend, brew bold!

Cashmere in the Brewery: Utilization and Techniques

You’re about to make beer that’s smoother than a diplomat at a peace conference, thanks to Cashmere hops. So let’s get into how to use this hop whisperer to turn your brew from everyday to extraordinary.

Dry Hopping with Cashmere

Now, imagine a world where your beer exudes tantalizing notes.

Tropical melon, juicy peaches, and subtle coconut without overpowering bitterness.

That’s your world when you dry hop with Cashmere. By adding these hops to your fermenter or barrel, post-fermentation, you’re injecting an aroma that could woo the scent off a flower. Depending on the on the ratios aim to use:

1 oz of Cashmere hops per 5-gallon batch for a noticeable but not overpowering aroma.
2-3 oz for a more robust, in-your-face tropical party.

This hop doesn’t come with the baggage of excessive bitterness, so go ahead, my friend.

Make your beer’s bouquet bloom like spring after a robot apocalypse.

Whirlpool Wonders

But say you want those hop flavors dancing on the tongue like Fred and Ginger? Then the whirlpool’s for you. The whirlpool is the stage in your brewing process where you get the temperature just right, typically below 180°F.

A stage that’s not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Like Goldilocks’ final choice.

Toss in your Cashmere hops and let them mingle for about 15-20 minutes.

You’ll capitalize on their smooth bitterness.
Extract their exotic fruit charm without being too forward.

This hop really does put the “cash” in Cashmere. In whirlpool hopping, its value skyrockets, delivering high-class flavor without the high-maintenance bitterness.

It’s like your beer’s getting a Michelin-star without the price tag. So, whirlpool away and watch your beer evolve from just a beverage to a symphony in a glass!

Comparable Hop Varieties

You’re on a quest to find the hops that could swing dance well with Cashmere, or maybe even step in as its stunt double in a pinch. Here’s the scoop on which hop varieties play nice with Cashmere’s smooth moves.

Alternative Options for Brewers

When Cashmere hops have left the building, and you’re scrambling for a substitute, you’ve got options. Cascade is the wise elder in the room. It shares that citrus kick with a floral edge.

Northern Brewer is another hop on standby, bringing a resinous depth to the table.

Whereas Citra and Mosaic are like the cool kids that add a fruity, tropical twist to your brew.

Cascade: Packs a citrus punch with a hint of floral.
Northern Brewer: Resinous and herbal; a solid backbone.
Citra: Loud tropical fruits with a citrusy zing.
Mosaic: A complex tropical fruit salad with berries and herbs.

Close Cousins in the Hop Family

Talk about keeping it in the family, right? Cashmere’s got relatives like Tahoma and Yakima Gold that share its DNA for flavor but have their unique swagger. Tahoma’s got a zesty lemon appeal, while Yakima Gold’s your golden ticket to a balance between spice and sweetness.

Tahoma: Lemon zest with a touch of spice.
Yakima Gold: Sweet yet spicy; a dance of balance.

Usually Paired With

Cashmere doesn’t hop alone. It brings friends to the party. When you’re whipping up a hoppy concoction, consider the complementary hops that can amplify Cashmere’s character. Citra and Mosaic are like the backup dancers that sync perfectly.

Adding tropical and fruity notes to Cashmere’s smooth, herbal beats.

Citra: The zesty sidekick with tropical flair.
Mosaic: Adds berry goodness to the herbal groove.

Whether you’re subbing out Cashmere or trying to create a hop blend that makes taste buds tap dance, these hop varieties are your go-to partners in crime. Keep experimenting and find that perfect hop harmony in your next brew.

A Way to Summarize the Cashmere Hops

Alright, let’s set things straight. First off, these bad boys are dual-purpose dynamos. Think of Cashmere as the Clark Kent of hops. Mild-mannered with a smooth bitterness when in the boil, but they rip off the glasses to reveal…

….a super-hop when it comes to flavor and aroma.

You want a hop that can do both? Cashmere’s your hero.

Now, let’s talk flavor. If Cashmere hops were a fruit salad, they’d be that perfect bite with a bit of everything. A tropical fiesta of lemon, lime, and melon. Oh, and they bring peach and tangerine to the party too. But wait, there’s a twist!

Some folks even catch a whiff of coconut.

That’s right, it’s like a beach vacation for your nose.

And the best part? Cashmere hops don’t just play well with the pale ales and IPAs. They’re the type of hops that get along with everybody. Whether you’re brewing a lager that’s crisper than a fresh dollar bill or an ale that’s as complex as your relationship status.

Cashmere adds that smooth, fruity kick that makes your beer go from good to

“Give me another pint, stat!”

So, when you’re brewing with Cashmere, remember: you’re not just making beer; you’re crafting a tropical escape in a glass. A sip of this, and your taste buds will be sending you postcards with “Wish you were here!” written all over them.

In conclusion, Cashmere hops are the all-in-one package with a bow on top. They’re the hops that keep on giving, from boil to bottle. So, go ahead, toss ’em into your next brew and watch as your friends marvel at your hop wizardry.

Cheers to you, you hop whisperer, you! 🍻

Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com