One Variety, Two Terroirs: Comparing Centennial from Moxee at CLS Farms

Centennial has long been one of the most respected and widely used American hop varieties. Released in 1990 and often called “Super Cascade,” it delivers a balance of citrus intensity, resin structure, and floral lift that makes it equally useful for bittering, flavor, aroma, and dry hopping.

But as with any variety, terroir, and even field selection within the same growing area,can shift its expression in meaningful ways.

During harvest at CLS Farms in Moxee, Yakima Valley, two Centennial selections stood out. Both grown in the same broader region, yet each offering a distinct sensory profile shaped by micro-terroir and harvest timing.

Centennial: Uncle Marc Field, Moxee

The Centennial grown in the Uncle Marc field pushes the variety into a more contemporary and intense direction.

The citrus character here is elevated and sharp, with a pronounced acidity that feels almost electric. Resin is clearly present and more assertive, building structure and weight. There’s also a noticeable dank layer and a slight sulfur-leaning edge that gives the hop a raw, powerful feel.

Compared to a textbook Centennial, this expression leans:

• Higher in citrus intensity

• Stronger in resin and pine

• More pronounced in dank and humid tones

• Slightly more aggressive overall

This is a Centennial suited for brewers seeking bold aromatics and modern intensity. It works especially well in IPAs that value punch, depth, and a slightly edgy character.

Centennial: Moxee Selection

The second Centennial selection from Moxee expresses a more classic and balanced interpretation of the variety.

Citrus still leads, but here it presents as bright orange zest and structured citrus peel rather than high-acid sharpness. Stone fruit and subtle candied fruit tones add roundness. Floral notes gently complement the profile, and resin is present but integrated rather than dominant.

This expression feels:

• Balanced and traditional

• Fruit-forward with clean citrus clarity

• Structurally supported by moderate resin

• Controlled and precise

It’s a Centennial that aligns closely with its historic identity, ideal for West Coast IPAs, classic American IPAs, and late hopping where clarity and structure matter.

How Terroir Shapes Expression

Both selections come from Moxee, yet field conditions, soil differences, and harvest timing influence oil composition and aromatic balance.

The Uncle Marc field produces a more intense, modern-leaning Centennial with heightened citrus acidity and resin depth. The broader Moxee selection shows a more classic profile, emphasizing balance, citrus definition, and drinkability.

This comparison highlights an important truth: terroir doesn’t just separate regions, it differentiates fields within the same farm.

Choosing Between Them

If you’re building:

• A bold, contemporary IPA with high aromatic impact → the Uncle Marc expression delivers power and edge.

• A structured, classic West Coast profile → the Moxee Centennial offers precision and balance.

Both reflect the strength of working directly with growers like CLS Farms, where lot and field selection become part of the creative brewing process.

Same variety. Same valley.
Different fields.
Different expressions.

And that’s where hop selection truly matters.