Columbus Hops

Columbus Hops Exposed: The Ideal Brew Styles for This Punchy Plant

Reading Time: around 14 min

Columbus hops are the mavericks of the hop world. Showing up in your beer with a bang of pungent, spicy, and earthy notes that’ll make your taste buds sit up and pay attention. Imagine the aroma of a freshly dug-up herb garden with a twist of citrus.

And you’ve pretty much set foot into Columbus territory.

This bold hop is no wallflower, so if you’re looking for shy subtlety, well…

…you’ve barked up the wrong hop bine.

When it comes to brewing, Columbus hops have the personality of that fun friend who gets along with everyone. Sure, they might steal the limelight in IPAs, where their character can really shout from the rooftops, but they’re not picky. 

You’ll find them playing nice in a New England IPA. Strutting their stuff in a Pale Ale. Or even relaxing in a Wheat Beer, where they bring a dash of audacity. Without overwhelming their more mellow malt buddies.

What else? This divine strong hoppyness.

Key Takeaways

  • Columbus hops brandish spicy, resinous tones with bold character, perfect for making their presence known.
  • They’re super versatile, making them a great match for IPAs and other hop-forward styles.
  • With Columbus hops, you get a dual-purpose hop that can shake things up in both the aroma and bittering departments.

 

The Origin and History of Columbus Hops

Let’s take a little hop back in time. The Columbus hop, your not-so-secret ingredient for that next level brew, has a backstory tangled like the bines they grow on. First off, you’ve probably heard them called by their superhero aliases.

CTZ – Columbus, Tomahawk, and Zeus.

These hops are like identical triplets, almost impossible to tell apart, and were once caught up in a legal kerfuffle over a patent. They’re the Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman of the hop world!

Columbus itself was born out of the breeding programs that could put any dating show to shame. Specifically, the USDA hop breeding program played Cupid here. Creating this bundle of joy sometime around the 1970s.

It’s like they knew you’d need a hop with the perfect bitter punch for your IPA.

They originally didn’t slap a patent on Columbus, which, let’s be real, was great for brewers’ wallet. However, one of these triplets, Tomahawk, did end up donning those legal briefs.

It was like one of them decided to go off and be a lawyer.

But hey, in the end, it’s all in the family. And whether you call your hops Columbus or Tomahawk or even Zeus, you’re basically inviting the same guest to your beer party.

As for HopUnion, they’re the ones responsible for turning these hops into the legends they are today. These hops don’t grow in just any backyard. Nurtured by pros; they’ve scaled the hop Olympus to deliver that signature spicy, earthy punch your pale ale loves.

So, raise your glass to a history steeped in hops!

Columbus Hops Characteristics

Buckle up, my friend, because we’re diving into the world of Columbus Hops.

A hop variety that packs a punch with bold flavors and versatile brewing potential.

Main Characteristics

  • Purpose: Dual / Universal
  • Aromas: Spicy, Herbal, Resinous
  • Notes: Licorice, Pepper, Citrus
  • Alpha-acids: 13.0% – 18.0% [bitterness added through boiling]
  • Beta-acids: 4.0% – 6.0% [bitterness added through maturation]
  • Cohumulone: 28% – 35% of alpha-acids [bitterness profile: low = smooth, high = sharp]
  • Hops oil breakdown: 2.5 – 4.5 mL / 100g [responsible for flavors and aromas]
    • Myrcene: 40% – 60% [resinous, citrus, fruity]
    • Humulene: 9% – 18% [noble, woody, spicy]
    • Caryophyllene: 6% – 12% [spicy, piney, herbal]
    • Farnesene: 0% – 1% [fresh, green, floral]
Columbus Hops - graphic summary

Aroma and Flavor Profile

You know when you stick your nose in a bag of chips and get that first whiff of pungent delight? That’s kind of like the Columbus hop’s aroma.

Big, bold, and impossible to miss. It’s the life of the party in any beer, flaunting earthly, spicy, and citrus notes that can turn a dull brew into a flavor fiesta.

  • Resin & Herbal: Reminds you of a walk in the woods, but with a pint in your hand.
  • Spicy: Like that unexpected zing when you bite into a peppercorn. And licorice
  • Citrus: Imagine a citrus orchard, but with an attitude. That’s a gentle follow up.

 

Bitterness and Acid Composition

Listen up, because Columbus is not some run-of-the-mill hop. This bad boy comes loaded with high alpha acids, typically ranging from a formidable 13% to 18%. What does that mean for you?

Bold bitterness that can make your beer stand up straight and shout. And those beta acids? They’re not shy either. They’ll give your beverage a sturdy backbone and a complexity that keeps you coming back for more.

  • Alpha Acids: For the love of bitterness!
  • Beta Acids: Subtle yet sophisticated.
  • Alpha-Beta Ratio: Significantly towards alpha.

 

Oil Content and Its Influence

The oil content in these hops isn’t just good. It’s like a secret sauce that amps up the personality of your brew. High oil content equals more aromatic bang for your buck. And Columbus, my friend, has got the goods.

  • High Oil Content: Think of it as the hop’s secret stash of flavor weapons.
  • Cohumulone: Higher on the scale, which means the bitterness is rather sharp.

 

Remember, when you brew with Columbus Hops, you’re not just making beer.

You’re crafting an experience. So wear that apron with pride and get hopping!

Beers Best Suited for Columbus Hops

If you’re diving into the world of homebrewing, let me introduce you to your new best bud: Columbus hops. Rough, tough, and ready to rock, this hop variety throws a punch of flavor and bitterness that can take your beer from “meh” to “heck yes”!

American IPAs and Pale Ales

Think of Columbus hops as the backbone of your classic American IPAs and Pale Ales. They’ve got the boldness to stand up to the malt backbone. The charm to seduce your senses with resinous, herbal and spicy notes.

And a citrus zing that makes every sip scream “Freedom!” 

So, if you’re dreaming of a hop that takes your IPA or Pale Ale from zero to hero…

…Columbus is your caped crusader.

  • IPA: Columbus hops will give it that solid hoppy kick.
  • Pale Ale: A dash of Columbus for that spice and everything nice.

Stouts and Other Ales

Moving on to the dark side, stouts and their ale cousins get a jolt of life with Columbus hops standing guard. They may be known for their American hop swagger, but they can show a softer side that complements the rich chocolate and coffee notes in your stout.

Imperial Red Ale?

Columbus hops have a certain “je ne sais quoi” that can mesmerize your taste buds.

  • Stout: Columbus hops add an earthy magic.
  • Imperial Red Ale: They bring out that color and depth!

 

The Versatility with Lagers

Believe it or not, Columbus hops aren’t just a one-trick pony. They play nice with lagers too! You might be thinking, “Lagers? Really?” But trust me, a little Columbus in your lager can offer a crisp, clean finish with a tantalizing hint of… licorice. 

Plus, they’re like that friend who can hang out with anyone.

Bringing balance and intrigue to the lager party.

  • Lager: A sprinkle of Columbus for that crisp conclusion.

 

Remember, while Columbus hops are versatile, they’re not shy. They’ll make their presence known. Whether you’re brewing up a storm or just starting out, experiment and see what these rugged, spicy, and aromatic bad boys can do for your brew!

Columbus Hops in Brewing

Columbus hops, with their high alpha acids and resinous, spicy punch, have become a staple in your brewing arsenal. Let’s dive into how you can use them to add some pizzazz to your beers.

As Bittering Hop

When you throw Columbus hops into the boil early on, they do the heavy lifting for ya.

Laying down a solid foundation of bitterness that keeps the rowdier flavors in check. 

Their high alpha acid content, ranging from 13-18%, makes them an exceptional choice for beers where you want a firm, clean bitter kick. Think of them as your go-to bittering hop that sets the stage without stealing the show.

For Aroma and Dry Hopping

Don’t be fooled though, Columbus hops aren’t just one-trick ponies. 

Add them later in the boil or during dry hopping, and they’ll surprise you with subtle hints of citrus and a bouquet of spicy notes. It’s like a magician whipping out a bouquet where you thought there was just a wand. 

Perfect for when you want your beer to have an olfactory oomph…

…but with a dark, herbal twist.

Hopping Stages and Amounts

Strap in and let’s get ready to rumble with Columbus, or as it’s known to its pals, Tomahawk, Zeus, or simply CTZ. This hop’s got more aliases than a spy in a Bond movie and a punch that can knock your socks off!

First up, we’re throwing this hop heavyweight into an Imperial IPA. A brew that’s bolder than a bald eagle screeching freedom from the mountaintops. You want your beer to soar? Start with 1.25-1.5 ounce of CTZ at the 60-minute mark.

For a bitter backbone that’s as sturdy as a lumberjack’s arms.

But hold onto your hops, because we’re not done yet. With 15 minutes left on the clock, it’s time to toss in another 0.75 ounce. No, you know what? Make it 1.25 oz. This is the flavor flourish, the hoppy high-five that makes your Imperial IPA sing like a rock star.

Now, let’s switch gears and talk Stout, specifically a Russian Imperial Stout. RIS beaut. As dark and mysterious as a Siberian winter night. CTZ is your secret weapon, the cloak-and-dagger that adds a spicy, earthy intrigue to the mix. 

Kick things off with a generous full ounce when you start the boil.

This isn’t just a hop addition. It’s the opening move in a chess game with flavor.

As the end draws near and you’ve got about 10 minutes left, it’s time for another half-ounce. Maybe even a tad more. This is your mic drop, the final touch that leaves everyone cheering for an encore.

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

1.88

0.01

9.41

0.16

 

Bittering

1.07

0.01

5.33

0.15

 

Dry Hop

0.02

1.82

0.08

9.1

0.21

 

First Wort

0.01

1.39

0.03

6.96

0.13

 

Flavor

0.91

0.01

4.55

0.13

 

Hop Stand

0.05

0.55

0.25

2.73

0.17

 

Hopback

0.09

0.54

0.44

2.7

0.22

 

Mash

0.05

0.55

0.23

2.73

0.18

 

Whirlpool

0.02

2.03

0.09

10.16

0.2

American IPA Total

 

2.03

0.01

10.16

0.16

American Pale Ale

Aroma

0.01

1.34

0.04

6.68

0.14

 

Bittering

0.01

0.91

0.03

4.55

0.1

 

Dry Hop

0.92

0.02

4.58

0.2

 

First Wort

0.5

0.02

2.5

0.09

 

Flavor

0.01

0.91

0.05

4.55

0.1

 

Hop Stand

0.12

0.33

0.58

1.67

0.22

 

Hopback

0.2

0.4

1

2

0.32

 

Mash

0.05

0.4

0.23

2

0.18

 

Whirlpool

0.91

4.55

0.19

American Pale Ale Total

 

1.34

6.68

0.13

Imperial IPA

Aroma

0.03

2

0.17

10

0.21

 

Bittering

0.02

2.12

0.11

10.58

0.24

 

Dry Hop

0.02

1.78

0.09

8.9

0.22

 

First Wort

0.04

0.65

0.21

3.25

0.17

 

Flavor

0.03

0.58

0.14

2.92

0.16

 

Hop Stand

0.09

0.18

0.45

0.92

0.14

 

Mash

0.17

0.5

0.83

2.5

0.26

 

Whirlpool

0.05

0.73

0.23

3.64

0.19

Imperial IPA Total

 

0.02

2.12

0.09

10.58

0.21

New England IPA

Aroma

0.02

0.8

0.12

4

0.16

 

Bittering

0.01

0.58

0.06

2.9

0.1

 

Dry Hop

0.04

1

0.2

5

0.24

 

First Wort

0.01

0.4

0.04

2

0.09

 

Flavor

0.03

0.6

0.13

3

0.14

 

Hop Stand

0.07

0.37

0.33

1.87

0.19

 

Hopback

0.08

0.3

0.41

1.52

0.17

 

Mash

0.05

0.18

0.24

0.91

0.13

 

Whirlpool

0.02

1.17

0.12

5.83

0.24

New England IPA Total

 

0.01

1.17

0.04

5.83

0.16

Double IPA

Aroma

0.01

1.14

0.07

5.72

0.21

 

Bittering

0.02

1.66

0.11

8.3

0.21

 

Dry Hop

0.04

0.75

0.18

3.75

0.24

 

First Wort

0.02

0.58

0.12

2.91

0.19

 

Flavor

0.03

0.59

0.14

2.97

0.16

 

Hop Stand

0.15

0.26

0.76

1.28

0.19

 

Hopback

0.06

0.17

0.29

0.87

0.12

 

Mash

0.1

0.45

0.5

2.23

0.3

 

Whirlpool

0.04

0.73

0.22

3.64

0.23

Double IPA Total

 

0.01

1.66

0.07

8.3

0.21

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

0.02

14.09

0.3

281.82

1.22

 

Bittering

0.01

7.99

0.19

159.77

1.12

 

Dry Hop

0.12

13.63

2.3

272.6

1.55

 

First Wort

0.05

10.42

1

208.39

0.95

 

Flavor

0.02

6.81

0.3

136.17

0.95

 

Hop Stand

0.37

4.08

7.49

81.7

1.29

 

Hopback

0.65

4.05

13.06

81

1.62

 

Mash

0.34

4.08

6.81

81.7

1.36

 

Whirlpool

0.13

15.22

2.61

304.35

1.48

American IPA Total

 

0.01

15.22

0.19

304.35

1.2

American Pale Ale

Aroma

0.06

10

1.18

200

1.06

 

Bittering

0.04

6.81

0.89

136.17

0.74

 

Dry Hop

0.03

6.86

0.5

137.1

1.47

 

First Wort

0.02

3.74

0.46

74.89

0.64

 

Flavor

0.07

6.81

1.36

136.17

0.77

 

Hop Stand

0.87

2.5

17.39

50

1.61

 

Hopback

1.5

3

29.96

59.91

2.43

 

Mash

0.34

3

6.81

60

1.3

 

Whirlpool

6.81

136.17

1.4

American Pale Ale Total

 

10

200

0.97

Imperial IPA

Aroma

0.25

14.98

5.09

299.57

1.56

 

Bittering

0.16

15.84

3.2

316.85

1.76

 

Dry Hop

0.14

13.33

2.83

266.67

1.65

 

First Wort

0.31

4.87

6.24

97.36

1.25

 

Flavor

0.2

4.38

4.08

87.55

1.21

 

Hop Stand

0.67

1.38

13.37

27.5

1.03

 

Mash

1.25

3.74

24.96

74.89

1.98

 

Whirlpool

0.34

5.45

6.81

108.93

1.41

Imperial IPA Total

 

0.14

15.84

2.83

316.85

1.59

New England IPA

Aroma

0.18

5.99

3.54

119.83

1.19

 

Bittering

0.08

4.35

1.67

86.96

0.75

 

Dry Hop

0.3

7.49

5.99

149.78

1.83

 

First Wort

0.06

3

1.18

59.91

0.68

 

Flavor

0.19

4.49

3.74

89.87

1.03

 

Hop Stand

0.5

2.8

10

56

1.41

 

Hopback

0.62

2.27

12.31

45.45

1.28

 

Mash

0.36

1.36

7.11

27.21

0.97

 

Whirlpool

0.18

8.74

3.52

174.75

1.78

New England IPA Total

 

0.06

8.74

1.18

174.75

1.19

Double IPA

Aroma

0.1

8.57

2.07

171.43

1.6

 

Bittering

0.16

12.43

3.2

248.64

1.59

 

Dry Hop

0.26

5.62

5.26

112.34

1.78

 

First Wort

0.18

4.36

3.54

87.18

1.4

 

Flavor

0.21

4.44

4.22

88.89

1.21

 

Hop Stand

1.13

1.92

22.67

38.46

1.44

 

Hopback

0.43

1.3

8.7

26.09

0.87

 

Mash

0.75

3.33

14.98

66.67

2.25

 

Whirlpool

0.33

5.45

6.66

108.93

1.69

Double IPA Total

 

0.1

12.43

2.07

248.64

1.59

*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.

Hop Pairings and Substitutions

Don’t sweat it if you’ve run out of Columbus. You can always go with Tomahwak. Or Zeus. But jokes aside there are plenty of options, although perhaps not 1 to 1 replacements. Chinook or Magnum for bittering are your best bets.

Need a quick switch for aroma? Here’s what you can consider:

  • Citra or Amarillo for a fruitier profile
  • Centennial or Cascade for a floral and citrus angle
  • Simcoe for that resinous pine kick

 

These hops play well with others and can be substituted without turning your brew day into a fiasco. Also, above varieties can be great as Columbus companions and you can pair them together.

Or get adventurous and create a blend that’ll make Columbus hops nod in approval from the hoppy heavens. It’s like choosing your superhero team. Each brings its own superpower to complement the others. 

Remember, in the world of hops, Columbus is the stoic hero that’s got your back.

Growing and Harvesting Columbus Hops

If you’re planning to buddy up with Columbus hops in your garden, hold onto your trellis because it’s quite the ride. These bad boys sprint to the sky, climbing faster than Jack’s infamous beanstalk.

Climate: First off, Columbus hops adore the spotlight. They need a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and they’re not too fussy about the cold. They can handle a chill just fine. Your local climate should resemble their hometown vibes.

Which are cool and prairie-like.

Growth Rate: Expect these hops to grow like they’ve got a meeting at the top, shooting up to 20 feet if they’re feeling ambitious. A sturdy trellis or support system is non-negotiable unless you want a hops jungle on your hands.

Planting Rhizomes: Grab those rhizomes. Columbus hops start from these root cuttings. Plant yours about three feet apart, one to two inches deep, and watch them take off after the last frost bids adieu.

Harvest Time: You’ll know it’s go-time when the cones feel papery, dry, and are oozing with sticky lupulin, the golden touch for that beer flavor. If they sound like a cricket choir by your ear when you roll them, that’s nature’s own ready bell. 

Miss the right time, and your hops might go from gold to rancid orange.

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Remember, they might seem like the strong, silent types, climbing up there without a peep. But Columbus hops will make your beer shout with robust bitterness and spicy aromas. So put on your best brewing game face, it’s time to hop to it!

Columbus Hops in the Marketplace

Hey there, crafty brewer! If you’re on the prowl for hops that pack a punch, you’ve likely stumbled upon the powerhouse that is Columbus Hops. Also known as the hop ensemble cast CTZ – that’s Columbus, Tomahawk, and Zeus for the uninitiated.

These bad boys are the go-to for that quintessential American brew vibe.

When you’re scouring the market, you’ll find vendors like Hopsteiner and Yakima Chief showcasing Columbus with pride. Not only are they revered for their high alpha acids, tipping the scales between 13-18%, but they hold their aroma like a champ.

With the Hop Storage Index grinning favorably upon them.

For the DIY kings and queens – yes, homebrewers, I’m looking at you – sourcing this hop is as easy as clicking “Add to Cart” on homebrew havens like MoreBeer and Amazon. Want to create that IPA or hoppy Pale Ale that’ll be the envy of your neighborhood? 

Grab some Columbus and prepare to be crowned the local hop wizard.

Remember, the bitterer the better. That could be the motto for Columbus Hops. Whether you’re a full-time brewmaster or a weekend fermentation fanatic, these hops will gladly muscle their way into your beer.

Gifting it with the bold bitterness and an aroma that shouts, “I am crafted with Columbus!” Now, go forth and brew with confidence, my friend. Your taste buds will thank you. Your envious neighbors probably not.

Columbus Hops: Beyond the Beer

Listen up, pal! You’ve stumbled upon Columbus hops, the secret character actor of the hop world. Often uncredited but always stealing the show. Originating from the hop-breeding vigor of the United States, these bad boys pack quite a punch.

With a high alpha acid content a strapping 13%-18%.

Meet Columbus, aka Tomahawk, aka Zeus, aka CTZ, aka… Frankly, this hop has more aliases than a spy in a cold war novel. But don’t let that confuse you! They’re essentially triplets with a penchant for bitterness and a flair for the dramatic.

Use them early in your brewing journey, and they’ll give your beer a bold, clean bitterness that says, “I’ve arrived, and I brought my own brass band”. You get the drill.

Flavor Palette:

  • Resinous: Like a hike in the forest, minus the actual hiking.
  • Spice: Think black pepper meets licorice on a blind date.
  • Subtle Citrus: The zest without the pest.

 

Ace in the Hole: Beyond that, these hops are a go-to for late boil additions or dry-hopping. Why? Because they’re the life of the party. They throw an aromatic shindig in your beer that people won’t stop talking about.

So, what brews do they rock in? 

American Pale Ales wear Columbus hops like a tailored suit. But hey, don’t let that limit your adventure. Columbus hops are the versatile sidekicks in the storyline of your brewing saga.

Ready to hop into action whenever you decide to say “Cut” to blandness.

Picture of Damian

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