Description

Naming

Initially selected in 1961, Comet is an American hop that was first used for providing a bitter element to lagers.

Origin Story

Comet was cross-completed in 1961 from a seedling of Sunshine, an open-pollinated variety from England, and a wild male hop that was found in Logan Canyon in Northeastern Utah.

Released in 1974 by the USDA, Comet was originally bred to address the needs for higher alpha hops.

While Comet production ceased in the early 1980s in favor of newer super-alpha hops, today it is making a comeback in popularity due to its smooth bittering quality and nice grapefruit and earthy, herbal flavors with dry hopping.

Characteristics

Comet is zesty with grapefruit and tangerine but is backed by some unique grassy and herbal elements.

Brewers have rediscovered Comet’s benefits, considering it a good bittering agent for American-style lagers and there has recently been an increase in its use when dry-hopping IPAs and Pale Ales.

Specs

• Alpha-Acids: 9 – 12%
• Beta-Acids: 3 – 6%
• Oil Content: 1.3 – 4.4
• Contributions: Smooth bitterness, strong grapefruit, grassy herbal and some fruit like black current and apricot.
• Suitable for the following beer styles: Lager, American Ale, India Pale Ale
• Alternatives: Citra, Galena, Summit™
• Purpose of Use: Dual
• Country of Origin: U.S.A.

We have technical specifications for all our hops related to specific lots.