Cluster
The original American hop.
What it tastes like
Cluster was the dominant US hop for over 150 years and accounted for the majority of American hop production until the 1970s. Earthy, blackcurrant-like, and a touch peppery. You'll occasionally taste it in heritage-style amber lagers, pre-Prohibition lagers, and any beer trying to recreate a 19th-century American profile.
Best in these styles
Tasting Tip
Pre-Prohibition lagers from breweries like Hill Farmstead or Suarez Family will sometimes lean on Cluster for historical authenticity.Beers showcasing Cluster
Specific beer examples coming soon.
Substitutes & relatives
If you can't source Cluster, these hops bring overlapping character.
For brewers — technical profile
Alpha Acid
5.5–8.5%
Beta Acid
4.5–5.5%
Total Oil
0.4–0.8 mL/100g
Oil composition
myrcene
45-55%
humulene
15-18%
caryophyllene
6-8%
farnesene
<1%
History
Cluster is a heritage variety — likely a chance hybrid of European hops brought to America by colonists. It dominated US hop production until the late 20th century, when higher-alpha and aroma-driven varieties replaced it.
Freshness Note
Stable, but rarely the dominant aroma in any modern beer.