The brewing industry is evolving faster than ever, and at Yakima Chief Hops (YCH)and Yakima Chief Ranches (YCR), we're committed to leading the charge. Innovation thrives when brewers and suppliers collaborate to push boundaries, and that belief is the driving force behind FWD—our forward-thinking initiative designed to bring advanced hop varieties and products to brewers before they hit the market. Our inaugural study focused on YCH 701 Trial, which was officially commercialized as HyperBoost™ in July 2024. We're excited to share key findings from this groundbreaking trial and discuss how these findings contribute to making the brewing industry better as a whole. FWD is designed to be a cyclical feedback loop, where brewers test new hop innovations, provide valuable observations, and ultimately influence product development to meet real-world needs. The results of these trials not only help participating brewers optimize their processes but also provide the entire industry with insights that drive progress. 

Key Findings from the HyperBoost™ Trial   

In March 2024, 68 brewers were selected from nearly 400 applicants to test YCH 701 Trial hop oil, now known as HyperBoost™. The product aimed to amplify hop aromatics and increase beer yield, and the results were both insightful and encouraging. 

High Satisfaction Across the Board 

Brewers embraced HyperBoost™ with enthusiasm, with 100% of survey respondents reporting satisfaction with the product’s arrival condition. Additionally, 98% of brewers described their overall brewing experience as positive, reinforcing the product’s ease of use and effectiveness in their processes. 

Yield and Efficiency Gains 

HyperBoost™ proved to be a valuable tool for improving efficiency, with 89% of brewers reporting yield increases. Many brewers cited its effectiveness in optimizing production by reducing hop matter waste, leading to potential cost savings. Additionally, the product’s smaller storage footprint compared to traditional hop formats was another advantage, allowing brewers to streamline inventory management and reduce logistical costs.

"I like the decreased contact time for turning beers around a bit quicker. The increase of yield is pretty awesome. I was surprised at how direct of a replacement it was, especially in the whirlpool."

- Brad Tomlinson, Jackknife Brewing, BC, Canada, Feedback from FWD Survey

 

Flavor and Aroma Impact 

Brewers found that HyperBoost™ made a notable impact on aroma and flavor. In a side-by-side trial, one brewery replaced a portion of a T-90 dry hop dose with HyperBoost™, and sensory analysis confirmed a statistically significant increase in melon and tropical character compared to the control beer. 

Many brewers found the hop character of HyperBoost™ to be enhanced, while others found it simply true-to-type—78% reported that it delivered a varietal-specific expression. A few described it as not necessarily imparting novel aromas but amplifying existing ones. 

"It had the same profile as Idaho 7, but different intensities. Sweet, tropical and citrus aromatics were heigher on average than in the T-90 version."

- Diego Setti, Prison pals Brewing Co., FL, USA, Feedback from FWD Survey 

Chemical analysis of the trial beers showed that the impact of HyperBoost™ on survivable compound levels varied depending on its application. In 60% of measured instances, aromatic compounds such as Linalool and Geraniol, which contribute to floral and citrus notes, were present at higher concentrations in HyperBoost™ beers. However, in other cases, compound levels remained comparable to the control, indicating that HyperBoost™ can either enhance or maintain survivable compounds based on dosing rates and where in the process it is used.  

Some brewers also observed changes in mouthfeel, describing an initial slickness that mellowed over time. 

Consumer Reception and Market Performance 

Brewers reported strong consumer reception for HyperBoost™, with 88% stating that customer feedback on their trial beers was positive. Many noted that these beers sold at the same or even faster rates than their regular offerings. In a taproom setting, consumer preference testing revealed a statistically significant preference for beers brewed with HyperBoost™ compared to those made with T-90 pellets alone, further reinforcing its impact on flavor and drinkability. 

Lessons Learned and Future Opportunities 

While FWD brewers overwhelmingly praised HyperBoost™, they also provided invaluable insights on how to fine-tune its use for even greater impact. These lessons will guide future optimizations and unlock new brewing possibilities.

  • Feedback suggested that recommended substitution rates might require fine-tuning for different brew systems, beer styles, and overall brewing goals.
  • Many brewers found that HyperBoost™ integrates seamlessly with other hop formats such as T90 and Cryo Hops® and is best used in concert with these products, opening exciting new possibilities for hop layering and recipe development.
  • Some brewers expressed interest in exploring how HyperBoost™ impacts the longevity and stability of hop aroma over time, with several indicating a belief that the product improves shelf-life.

These findings are just the beginning as we continue exploring how HyperBoost™ can redefine brewing efficiency and sensory performance.

Moving Forward Together

FWD is defined by collaboration, and the HyperBoost™ trial exemplifies how brewer feedback can shape the future of hop innovation. By sharing these findings, we hope to empower brewers everywhere to explore new possibilities, enhance their processes, and elevate the beer experience for their customers.

And this is just the beginning. With each trial, FWD continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in brewing. Stay tuned as we explore new innovations, refine our products, and move beer forward—together.

For more details on FWD and to get involved, visit hopFWD.com or email FWD@yakimachief.com.