Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Phytochemical Profiles as a Function of Growth Region by HPLC and GC-MS Analysis

There is growing interest from brewers, hop growers and consumers about the regionality of hops as affected by growth region. The present work aims to characterize the pelletized hop (Humulus lupulus L.) cultivar Cascade from two regions in the United States; Yakima, Washington and Benton County, Minnesota. Analyses were performed using high pressure liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS). Materials were obtained from commercial sources, Yakima Chief Hops and Mighty Axe Hops. While the phytochemical profiles were similar, as expected for a single cultivar, differences in the volatile and nonvolatile content ratios were observed. The results of this study support the increasing evidence of hop terroir and highlight the need for continued studies into the effects that local growth environments can have on the analytical profile of hops. These results will be of particular interest to the discerning brewer that is looking for the ability to craft exceptional flavor profiles for their finished products.