Simcoe a.k.a. YCR 14
The dual-purpose backbone of West Coast IPA.
What it tastes like
Pine, passionfruit, citrus, and a distinctive 'cat' funk that beer geeks call by name. Simcoe was bred for high alpha acid (so brewers can use it for bittering AND aroma), and it's been a West Coast IPA staple since the early 2000s. Russian River's Pliny the Elder uses it in heavy doses.
Best in these styles
Tasting Tip
When you taste pine and grapefruit together in a West Coast IPA, that's almost always Simcoe. Pair with Centennial for the classic 'C-hop' SoCal/PNW IPA profile.Beers showcasing Simcoe
- Pliny the ElderRussian River
- IPAStone
- Double Simcoe IPAWeyerbacher
Substitutes & relatives
If you can't source Simcoe, these hops bring overlapping character.
For brewers — technical profile
Alpha Acid
12–14%
Beta Acid
4–5%
Total Oil
2.0–2.5 mL/100g
Oil composition
myrcene
60-65%
humulene
10-15%
caryophyllene
5-8%
farnesene
<1%
History
Released by Yakima Chief Ranches in 2000, Simcoe was one of the first 'craft-era' US hops bred specifically for aroma at high alpha. It became a West Coast IPA staple within a few years and remains one of the top-grown hops in the US.
Freshness Note
Holds up better than Citra/Mosaic. A well-stored 90-day-old Simcoe-forward IPA still drinks well.