Hop Pellets Chinook

Chinook is a big, resinous US hop built for punchy West Coast beers. It is a high-alpha, dual-purpose pellet known for pine, grapefruit rind and a hint of spice, and it delivers a firm, assertive bitterness.

Best suited to

• West Coast IPA and double IPA
• American pale ale
• American amber and red ale
• Robust porter and stout
• Barley wine

Typical specs (vary by harvest, check the pack)

• Variety / origin: Chinook, United States
• Form: T-90 pellets
• Purpose: Dual purpose (strong bittering)
• Alpha acid: typically 11-14%
• Beta acid: typically 3-4%
• Co-humulone: typically 29-35% of alpha
• Total oil: typically 1.5-2.5 mL/100g
• Character: pine, resin, grapefruit rind, spice

When to choose this over alternatives

Reach for Chinook when you want pine and resin over soft fruit. It is more piney and spicy than Cascade or Centennial, and it gives a firmer, grippier bitterness, which is why it is a West Coast IPA classic. Pair it with Cascade and Centennial for the traditional C-hop stack, or use it as the bittering charge under fruitier hops like Citra and Mosaic to add backbone. It also works surprisingly well in a hoppy porter.

Practical notes

Chinook is a workhorse for bittering thanks to its high alpha, and a small early charge goes a long way. Used late it can turn quite piney and grapefruit-rind sharp, so treat dry-hop rates with a little more restraint than a fruity hop, around 20 to 40g for an IPA. Some brewers find it harsh if pushed too hard late, so blend it rather than running it solo for aroma. Store cold and sealed, and use within 12 months of opening.

Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team - June 2026