Ekuanot Hops Guide

Ekuanot Hops Guide: Everything You Need to Know

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The Ekuanot Hop is a wonderful hop variety created by the Hop Breeding Program in Washington. This all-American dual-purpose hop is highly prized for its aromatic, flavoring, and bittering qualities. Additionally, in this Ekuanot hops guide, we’ll see how it is ideal for dry-hopping and later additions which greatly enhances the exceptional hop characteristics.

The Ekuanot hop is well-balanced and delivers rich tastes and aromas of papaya, berries, oranges, lime zest, and tropical fruits. These rich, fruity notes are followed by subtle undertones of eucalyptus and fresh sage.

High levels of alpha acid allow for excellent bittering properties making this hop popular amongst American Craft Brewers and American IPA lovers around the world.

Ekuanot (US) Hop Pellets | Amazon

Ekuanot is known for delivering a complex array of aromatics, suggestive of lime, apple, melon, berry, cedar, papaya, bay leaves, eucalyptus, clove, sage, and tobacco.

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Pros and Cons of Ekuanot Hops

Pros

  • Outstanding creation from the Hop Breeding Company
  • Rich, fruity tastes and aromas of papaya, berries, oranges, lime zest, and tropical fruits
  • Herbal tastes and aromas of eucalyptus and fresh sage
  • High levels of alpha acid result in excellent bittering qualities
  • Ideal for dry-hopping and later additions

Cons

  • This hop variety is patented, and there are no rhizomes available for home-growing
  • This hop variety prefers cooler climates

History of Ekuanot Hops

The Hop Breeding Company developed the Ekuanot hop in Toppenish, Washington. It was first released in 2014 as HBC 366, with the name being changed to Equinox shortly afterward. In September 2016, it experienced yet another name change and was formally declared the Ekuanot Hop.

This young hop is becoming increasingly popular amongst micro, macro, and commercial craft breweries in the United States and worldwide.

Acid and Oil Composition of Ekuanot Hops

Ekuanot Hops

Acid Composition

  • Co-Humulone 31%-36%
  • Alpha Acid
  • 13.0%-15.5%
  • Beta Acid
  • 4%-5%

Oil Composition

  • Farnesene Oil
  • Less than 1% (of total comp.)
  • Caryophyllene Oil 8%-12% (of total comp.)
  • Humulene Oil 12%-20% (of total comp.)
  • Myrcene Oil 30%-45% (of total comp.)
  • Geraniol Oil
  • 0.2% (of total comp.)
  • Linalool Oil
  • 0.2%-0.5% (of total comp.)
  • B-Pinene Oil
  • 0.4%-0.8% (of total comp.)
  • Total Oil Comp. 2.5ml-4.0ml per 100 grams

General Characteristics of Ekuanot Hops

Ekuanot Hops

What Climate is Best?

Ekuanot hops were first planted in Toppenish, Washington, where the climate is crisp and cool. The average annual temperature in Toppenish is around 12-14 degrees C (54-57 degrees F). In the warmer seasons, this region experiences around 15mm of rain each month.

When do They Mature?

The Ekuanot hop variety matures late in the season.

What is the Growth Rate?

The Ekuanot hop grows vigorously and is one of the faster-growing hop varieties.

Cones

The cones of the Ekuanot hop are dense, oblong (egg-shaped), and a delightful greenish-yellow in color.

How Much Do They Yield?

Due to its vigorous growth rate, this hop offers exceptional yields of 2200-2700 pounds per acre.

Are They Difficult to Harvest?

Ekuanot hops grow in such a way that they are easy to harvest, and this can be done without any difficulty.

Storage Capabilities?

Ekuanot hops offer modest storage capabilities. After 6 months of storage at 20 degrees Celsius, you can expect an alpha acid loss of between 35% -40%.

What Common Hop Diseases Are They Susceptible To?

Ekuanot hops are susceptible to Two-Spotted Spider Mite, Hop Aphids, and Downy Mildew.

What Common Hop Diseases Are They Resistant To?

Ekuanot hops are resistant to powdery mildew.

What Do They Smell Like?

Ekuanot Hops

Ekuanot hops deliver rich aromas of papaya, berries, oranges, lime zest, lemon zest, and tropical fruits. Additional herbal tastes and aromas of eucalyptus and fresh sage result in a wonderful and well-balanced hop.

What Are They Used For?

Ekuanot hops are utilized for both their aromatic and flavoring qualities. High levels of myrcene and essential oils result in rich tastes and aromas of papaya, berries, oranges, lime zest, and juicy tropical fruits.

Additional herbal notes of eucalyptus and fresh sage offer lovely levels of balance and roundness. The Ekuanot hop is ideal for dry-hopping and later additions which result in enhanced flavors and aromas.

How to Grow Ekuanot Hops

Ekuanot hops are a patented hop variety (Hop Breeding Company); therefore there are no rhizomes available for home-growers.

Ekuanot Hop Alternatives

Cluster hops

Below are three quality alternatives to Ekuanot hops:

Cluster

Cluster Hop Pellets | Amazon
$6.50

Cluster Hops are from unknown origins but are believed to have arisen from the hybridization of varieties brought by English settlers and indigenous hops. They have a floral and spicy aroma. Perceived as excellent general-purpose hops with medium and well-balanced bittering. 

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08/03/2023 02:07 pm GMT

Cluster hop is widely considered to be one of the oldest hop varieties to come out of North America. It is a dual-purpose hop with low levels of essential oils (0.4-0.8ml/100g) and high levels of alpha acid (5%-9%), this hop is usually utilized for its bittering qualities. It offers lovely aromas of spice and floral with sweet fruity notes and a neutral and smooth bitterness.

Chinook

Chinook Hop Pellets | Amazon
$6.95

Distinct, medium intensity spice and pine characteristics with subtle notes of grapefruit Typical Alpha Acid: 12.0-14.0%. 

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08/03/2023 05:52 pm GMT

The Chinook hop was created back in 1985 by the USDA Breeding Program and is cultivated in the Yakima Region, Washington. It is a cross between USDA male #63012 and Petham Golding variety. Chinook hops deliver unique flavors of pine, spice, and fruit and are often used to brew various American-style Ales and Porters. 

Galena

Galena Hop Pellets | Amazon
$20.95

Primarily a bittering hop; has a clean smooth bitterness, with some spicy-citrus tones.

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08/03/2023 05:11 am GMT

The Galena was created by Dr. Richard R. Romanko from the USDA Hop Breeding Program in 1968. It was bred via open pollination and a female Brewers Gold. The Galena hop has high levels of alpha acid and is prized for its bittering qualities. Additionally, it offers lovely tastes and aromas of citrus, spice, and blackcurrant.

Continue reading to learn more about Galena hops.

Summit

Summit Pellet Hops | Amazon
$7.99 ($7.99 / Ounce)

Quite new on the scene (2003) but the consensus is very positive with its 'peak' bittering value coupled with robust citrus notes of orange, tangerine and grapefruit.

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08/03/2023 05:39 am GMT

The Summit hop variety was developed in 1998 by the American Dwarf Hop Association. Released five years later in 2003, it is a fantastic tri-hybrid of Zeus, Nugget, and Lexus hops. This hop offers complex aromas and tastes of black pepper, incense, anise, herbal, and spice. The complex and unique notes are followed by undertones of sweet mango, tangerine, oranges, and grapefruit.

What Popular Beer Styles Use Ekuanot Hops?

American Pale Ale

Below are five popular beer styles that use Ekuanot hops in the brewing process:

American Wheat

American Wheat Beer is made using natural malted wheat as a secondary supplement in the brewing process. This beer style has been made popular by American Craft Breweries who are notorious for silky smooth “adjunct” beers.

The all-natural malted wheat can make up 30% of the grit or more, and it is typically fermented with either neutral Ale or traditional Lager yeast. American Wheat Beer offers tastes and aroma of natural grains and rich malt with low to moderate levels of hop bitterness. American Wheat Beer offers an ABV of between 4%-5.5%.

American IPA

The American IPA is an Indian Pale Ale-style beer that closely follows the description of an authentic British IPA. Using All-American hops in the brewing process,

American IPA’s tend to be more intense with sharper tastes, aromas, and medium to high levels of hop bitterness. American IPA’s typically offer aromas and flavors of sweet fruit and earthy undertones with an ABV of between 5%-8%.

American Pale Ale

American Pale Ale (APA) is an easy-drinking and full-flavored beer developed in the United States in 1980. This beer style uses large amounts of American hops in the brewing process.

The delicious medium-bodied beer offers delicate notes of pine, citrus zest, floral, and juicy fruit. Additional undertones of toasted malt and creamy caramel result in a memorable and satisfying beer. American Pale Ale offers an ABV of 5%.

Pilsners

Pilsner-style beers originated in Pilsen, Czech Republic, in 1839. A Pilsner is a Light Lager that delivers enhanced hop characters but is lighter than a Pale Ale or IPA. Pilsner beer is easy-drinking, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days. It offers tastes and aromas of yeast, a refreshing and thirst-quenching finish, and an ABV of 4.5%-5%.

Sours

Sours is an interesting beer style that originated in Belgium in the early 18th century. It is a lively and acidic beer that is made using fruits such as peach, cherries, and raspberries.

Although the ingredients differ, the brewing process is similar to that of an authentic Ale, Pilsner, or Lager. It offers an unmissable tart or sour taste, a perfect balance between sweet and sour, with a slight trace of hop bitterness. Sours-style beer offers an ABV of between 3%-5%.

What Commercial Beer Brands Are Made Using Only Ekuanot Hops?

Equinox IIPA

Below are five quality beers from the United States and Europe that only use Ekuanot hops when producing their beloved brew:

Ekuanot IPA

Ekuanot IPA (India Pale Ale) is a delightful beer produced by the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, New York. This unique IPA is made with Ekuanot hops, Kolsch Yeast from Germany, and highly-prized Caramunich and German Pilsner malts.

This fantastic combination of unique and premium ingredients results in a hoppy beer that is crisp, clean, and refreshing. Ekuanot IPA offers an ABV of 5.9%.

Hop Disciples (Ekuanot)

Hop Disciples is an American IPA (India Pale Ale) produced by the Great Divide Brewing Company in Denver, Colorado. This American IPA is clean and bright with bold tastes of juicy tropical fruits and citrus.

Aromas of herbs and fresh citrus zest are followed by a lingering, rewarding, and refreshing finish. Hop Disciples (Ekuanot) IPA offers an ABV of 6.2%.

Equinox

Equinox is a great example of a single-hop Farmhouse Ale from the Kent Falls Brewing Company in Connecticut. Made using only Ekuanot hops, this delicious Ale delivers tastes of juicy tropical fruit and fresh green pepper.

Green pepper might seem odd, but it works well and offers a subtle balance to the juicy tropical fruit. Equinox delivers a smooth and thirst-quenching finish and an ABV of 4.8%.

Shock Therapy V5

Shock Therapy V5 is an American IPA proudly produced by the Hop Hooligans Brewing Company in Jilava, Romania. It is an outstanding single-hop IPA that offers aromas of fresh yeast and spice with subtle undertones of herbal and earthy grass.

Tastes of spice and herbal hops are followed by a rewarding and satisfying finish. Shock Therapy V5 IPA is an outstanding beer with an ABV of 6.5%.

Equinox IIPA

Equinox IIPA is an Imperial or Double IPA from the Post Scriptum Brewery in Portugal. This incredible Imperial IPA offers rich aromas and tastes of juicy fruit, citrus zest, and creamy malt. Medium levels of hop bitterness seem to get stronger on the lingering and bitter finish. Equinox IIPA is a good beer and offers an ABV of 7.2%.

What Commercial Beer Brands Combine Ekuanot Hops with Other Hop Varieties?

Galactic Haze

Below are five quality commercial beers that use Ekuanot and other hop varieties in their brewing process:

IPA Simcoe Ekuanot

IPA Simcoe Ekuanot is a modern-day IPA produced by the Cloudwater Brewing Company in the United Kingdom. This beer uses three hop varieties to maximize aromas, flavors, and bittering qualities in the brewing process. Mosaic, Simcoe, and Ekuanot hops come together beautifully and put this IPA up there with the best of them.

Upfront, you get tastes and aromas of pineapple, mango, and citrus followed by soft notes of malt and earthy pine. The finish is long and rewarding with moderate levels of hop bitterness. IPA Simcoe Ekuanot IPA offers an ABV of 6.5%.

Get Off My Lawn!

Get Off My Lawn is a full-flavored Double IPA proudly produced by the Cellarmaker Brewing Company in San Francisco, California. This juicy Imperial IPA is big on hop aromas and tastes with moderate levels of hop bitterness. The finish is smooth and refreshing. Get Off My Lawn offers an impressive ABV of 8.2%.

Galactic Haze

Galactic Haze is another great example of a modern-day IPA produced by Hop and Sting Brewing Company in Grapevine, Texas. This Belgian-style IPA (White IPA) infuses an intense hop forward and fruity aroma into authentic Witbier.

Ariana, Ekuanot, and Mosaic hop deliver aromas of berries and tropical fruit with bold flavors of earthy pine and fresh vanilla. Galactic Haze offers a memorable and refreshing finish and an ABV of 7.2%.

See also: Comprehensive Ariana Hops Guide

Sling Jaw IPA

Sling Jaw is a wonderful New England style IPA (India Pale Ale) produced by the Moonraker Brewing Company in Auburn, California. This lovely IPA is made with a neutral yeast and flaked oats but is dominated by the hop aromas and flavors.

The tastes and aromas are interesting, with initial notes of creamy pepper followed by fresh undertones of papaya, mango, and citrus. Sling Jaw IPA delivers a finish that is rewarding and satisfying and offers an ABV of 7.0%.

Liquid Sex Robot

Liquid Sex Robot is a Double IPA proudly made by the Lervig Brewing Company in Stavanger, Norway. Sticking to Double IPA tradition, this masterpiece is double-dry humped with Ekuanot, Azacca, Citra, and Mosaic hops for enhanced aromas, flavors, and hop bitterness.

Liquid Sex Robot Double IPA offers tastes and aromas of melon, mango, citrus, pineapple, tropical fruits, and earthy pine. The levels of bitterness are low but pure and compliment the tastes wonderfully. It offers a thirst-quenching and remarkable finish with a whopping ABV of 7.9%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What Do Ekuanot Hops Taste Like?

Answer: Ekuanot hops are highly prized for their exceptional flavoring and aromatic qualities. A fantastic mixture of herbal and fruit, these hops are often used in hop-forward IPA and are popular in the American beer craft beer scene.

They offer fantastic fruity flavors and aromas of papaya, berries, oranges, lime zest, lemon zest, and tropical fruits. Additional herbal tastes and aromas of eucalyptus and fresh sage result in a wonderful and well-balanced hop.

Question: Where Are Eukenot Hops Grown?

Answer: The Ekuanot hop was first cultivated in the Toppenish region of Washington. This region experiences an average annual temperature of between 12-14 degrees C (54-57 degrees F). This cooler climate suits hop varieties that are big on aromas and flavors.

Question: What Hop Varieties Pair Well with Ekuanot Hops?

Answer: The Ekuanot hop variety pairs well with most hops that deliver fruity citrus qualities. The Citra hop is possibly the best pairing option with its intense bold aromas and tastes of fresh citrus and citrus zest.

Question: Where Can You Purchase Ekuanot Hops for Home-growing?

Answer: The Hop Breeding Company currently patents the Ekuanot hop, and therefore there are no rhizomes available for home-growers.

Conclusion

The Ekuanot hop is a wonderful dual-purpose hop that is becoming increasingly popular in the American Craft Beer scene, and I’m in no way surprised. High levels of alpha acid allow for excellent bittering qualities. High levels of essential oils allow for bold aromas and flavors.

The Ekuanot hop delivers rich tastes and aromas of papaya, berries, oranges, lime zest, and tropical fruits. Additional soft notes of eucalyptus and fresh sage result in a wonderfully well-balanced and versatile hop. The Ekuanot hop is ideal for dry-hopping and later additions, enhancing the delightful tastes and aroma.

I enjoy this hop variety, especially the bold fruity tastes and sharp hop bitterness. If you enjoy bold hop-forward IPA-style beers with high levels of bitterness, then this hop would make a great addition to your next brew.

Unfortunately, this hop variety is currently under patent, and no rhizomes are available for home-growers. I am holding thumbs that this will change soon.

Ekuanot (US) Hop Pellets | Amazon

Ekuanot is known for delivering a complex array of aromatics, suggestive of lime, apple, melon, berry, cedar, papaya, bay leaves, eucalyptus, clove, sage, and tobacco.

Buy at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

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