It’s another SMaSH beer experiment, and this time, we’re seeking to learn more about Krush hops, also known as HBC 586. If you’re new to our SMaSH experiments, the goal is simple: we take a single malt and a single hop to get a real feel for what that hop brings to the party. In this case, we got our hands on a small 2 oz pack of Krush hops from Yakima Valley Hops. Check out this video to see what we had to say about this variety.
Brewing with Krush Hops: The Process
For this SMaSH beer, we kept it simple. The base recipe featured 2 pounds of malt, 1 ounce of Krush hops, and about two gallons of water. We brewed with a 60-minute boil, tossing in 3.5 grams of hops at the start, then adding a big whirlpool addition of 17.5 grams at 180°F for 10 minutes post-boil. Finally, we dry-hopped with 7 grams on day three of fermentation. This method allowed us to capture a true sense of what Krush hops could offer, and let me tell you, it’s a hop that packs quite the punch.
What We Thought: Fruity and Zippy
The aroma from this beer hit right away. Mike described it best when he said it reminded him of opening a fresh box of Froot Loops. There’s a mix of lime, orange, and cherry, with even a touch of candied citrus peel. The flavor carries that same vibe, with a bit of a twist. You get citrus-forward notes, but there’s also a ginger-like “zip” that adds a spicy edge. This hop is bright, bold, and perfect for fruit-forward IPAs. If you’re looking for a variety with layers of citrus and berry flavors, and a bit of intensity, Krush hops are a great choice. Be on the lookout for the 2024 harvest!
BREW ON!
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