Exploring CLS Farms’ Chinook: Early Harvest vs. Late Harvest Profiles
Chinook hops, known for their versatility and complex sensory profile, have long been a favorite in craft brewing. With distinctive notes of pine, wood, and citrus, they bring a classic, nuanced character that works across a range of beer styles. At CLS Farms, where terroir, cultivation, and processing techniques are finely tuned, Chinook hops develop even more depth and complexity. Lets explore the unique characteristics of our selected Chinook lots, comparing the bright, fruit-forward punch of early-harvest Chinook with the classic, balanced character of late-harvest Chinook.
Early Harvest Chinook: Bright Citrus and Fresh Aromatics
Early-harvest Chinook from CLS Farms offers a fresh and modern twist on this variety, with intense citrus and fruit-forward aromas. The terroir and cultivation techniques at CLS enhance these qualities, creating hops with vibrant freshness and an unexpectedly powerful aroma. In this lot, bright citrus takes center stage, backed by subtle pine and resin notes.
This early-harvest Chinook is a perfect match for modern IPAs and West Coast IPAs, especially in whirlpool or late hopping. Its elevated geraniol content supports biotransformation, converting to beta-citronellol during fermentation and amplifying the beer’s tropical and fruity character. Looking for a brighter, fruit-forward profile in your hop-forward recipes? This lot is a great choice.
Late Harvest Chinook: Balanced with Classic Resins and Pine
In contrast, late-harvest Chinook from CLS Farms emphasizes the variety’s classic profile—think resin, pine, and woody notes, with a touch of balanced citrus. While it still retains some nuanced fruitiness, this later-harvest lot is tailored to highlight the essential qualities Chinook is known for, with resin and pine taking the lead.
Its balanced character makes late-harvest Chinook ideal for West Coast IPAs and other hop-forward recipes that aim to deliver the classic Chinook experience. With high geraniol content, this lot also enhances tropical and fruity notes through biotransformation while maintaining the structured bitterness and complexity that brewers expect from Chinook.
Choosing the Right Chinook for Your Brew
The choice between early and late harvest Chinook comes down to the flavor and aroma you want to showcase in your beer. Early-harvest Chinook, with its bright citrus and fruit-forward punch, is perfect for adding vibrancy to modern hop-forward styles. Late-harvest Chinook, on the other hand, delivers the classic resin and pine character, adding depth and balance to traditional recipes.
At CLS Farms, they’re proud to offer both profiles, allowing brewers to tailor their choices and bring out the best in their beers. Whether you’re after brightness or balance, Chinook’s versatility and sensory potential will help take your beer to the next level.