Columbus tomahawk
The Basic Statistics
| Alpha Acids | 14 – 18% |
| Purpose | Bitter, Aroma |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Substitutes | Zeus,Chinook, Northern Brewer, Nugget, Bullion,Galena |
| Suitable Beer Styles | Imperial Brown Ale, Barley Wine, Imperial Stout, American Ales, Stout |
About Columbus Tomahawk
You might see this hop abbreviated down from Columbus, Tomahawk and Zeus as CTZ. But let’s clear this up right away, the Z for Zeus is not supposed to be there. Say what?
That’s right. Zeus is a completely different variety of hop. It’s all down to genetics. So say what you like, Columbus / Tomahawk are not the same as Zeus and should always be separate. But what’s going on with CT being one and the same?
More frequeantly known as Columbus, the Tomahawk name can be used due to a legal dispute. Basically, Hopunion and Yakima Chief both tried to patent the same plant, and both were awarded naming rights. So, Columbus is Tomahawk and Tomahawk is Columbus, but neither are Zeus.
Originally bred in the 1970’s, it was a long time before it was used. Released in the 1990’s, CT’s lineage is unknown. Suspected to be bred from Brewers Gold, Nugget, and a few others, the details are lost to history.
With a high alpha acid score, it’s a hit in IPA’s and other American ales. It’s not a super-fresh citrus that you get, it’s a bemused lemon and more along a muted note. Spicey and resin flavours like black pepper and onion, it offers a complex profile for a beer. Tends to be used in brewing more of a bittering addition than a flavour bomb, but give it a crack and see what you think.
More Information
Want to know more?
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