Wild Profile: Yakima Chief Hops

Photo courtesy of Yakima Chief Hops

Yakima Chief Hops is a 100% grower-owned network of family hop farms. Since 1869, they’ve been known for quality hops with an ever-growing vision towards sustainability. Situated in “Hop Country, USA,” or the Yakima Valley as you may know it, YCH is uniquely positioned to establish strong relationships between the growers who supply their super-premium hops and their innovative brewing customers who make the most of their products in their beer. YCH’s mission is to connect family hop farms with the world’s finest brewers, providing the highest quality hop products and uncompromising service for the ultimate benefit of customers, employees, and growers. 

To say that Washington has excellent beer is an understatement.  Besides all the talented brewers, the secret is that we have top-notch ingredients, local malt, clean mountain water, and yes, incredible Washington grown hops. 

YCH understands that access to clean water is undoubtedly important to produce healthy hops and refreshing beer, which is why they are a strong supporter of Washington Wild’s work.  There is an intrinsic relationship between healthy waterways and healthy hops; therefore, YCH’s growers strive to conserve the use of this natural resource for their growing requirements. Earlier this year, they worked with Washington Wild to host a virtual happy hour event on the importance of protecting our wild waterways for hops and beer.  We are grateful for Yakima Chief Hops for their recent donation of hops to power our collaboration with Seattle-based Big Time Brewing Co. The result is a refreshingly crisp PNW IPA. With community and quality at the center of their work, Yakima Chief Hops is a Washington state treasure.