HOP TERROIR
We believe terroir can distinguish one hop growing region from another.
Terroir [ter-wahr]:
The environmental conditions, especially soil and climate, in which hops are grown and that give beer its unique flavor and aroma.
Just as the wine industry defines terroir as how a particular region, soil, climate and environment affect the taste of wine, we believe terroir creates unique hop characteristics. In late 2018, Coleman Agriculture and Oregon State University embarked on a first-of-its-kind hop terroir study. The study aims to advance hop terroir knowledge by gathering data on soil, climate and hop chemistry in three Willamette Valley microregions, as well as conducting sensory and brewing analyses.
By expanding the study into season 2, our goal is to elevate the way we as hop growers achieve unique, high-quality yields while benefiting brewers in creating their best beers. Identifying hop terroir will also give us a greater understanding of the story of our soils, so we can manage the soil with our very best practices and ensure the land for generations to come.
The unique soils found across our farms can be traced back to two distinguishable
parent materials: Missoula Flood Silts and Stratified River Alluvium.
The historic Missoula Flood Silts were created during the last Ice Age, nearly 15,000 years ago. As the glaciers started to melt, the
Great Lake Missoula rushed across the western states of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon all the way to the Pacific Ocean. This cataclysmic
flood was crucial in forever changing the landscape and supplying rich and fertile soil across the Willamette Valley.
The Stratified River Alluvium soil has its origins in both the Cascade and Coastal Mountain Ranges. Sediment from these
mountains flows into the Willamette River with heavy rainfall. This new topsoil, unique to the Willamette Valley, is
carried downstream and deposited throughout the valley and onto our farmland.
What’s Next
We are continuing research efforts that we believe will make a significant global impact in the brewing industry.
To connect with us for more information and collaboration opportunities, please email research@colemanag.com
Terroir Event
In August of 2019, the OSU and Coleman Terroir Team hosted a terroir research study launch party. The event took place at the Coleman Ag Alluvial Hop farm in Independence, OR. We gave an overview of our study with a presentation and a scientific panel. Our guests were able to immerse themselves in terroir bliss by observing the soil with our lead soil scientist, identifying hop aroma profiles, and sampling our unique single-hopped terroir brews.
To learn more about this event, you can find articles in our news section or watch our video.
