Yakima Chief Hops gets a patent for its Cryo Hops process

Yakima Chief Hops (YCH) recently noted that is has been awarded a U.S. patent for the hop processing technology used in manufacturing its Cryo Hops brand products. In 2017, YCH announced the development of the proprietary technology used to make Cryo Hops brand pellets.

Identified as Patent Number US 11,214,765 B2, this unique process takes whole hop cones and gently separates the components using cold temperatures and liquid nitrogen with a single pass through a mechanical sieve. The lupulin glands, containing the oils and resins that give beers their distinct hop flavors, are isolated, creating a concentrated lupulin powder. The minimalistic handling and low oxygen environment are ideal for preserving quality and producing the highest alpha product, a key component to brewing delicious hoppy beers. The powder is cold pressed into pellets for maximum brewing efficiency.

The U.S. Patent identifies this process as a significant and measurable improvement from any other hop production process, which is exclusive to YCH. Aided by this process, Cryo Hops brand products contribute intense hop flavor and aromas to beers and allow brewers to dose large amounts of hop oils with less volume, meaning greater cost efficiency and beer yields with less packaging and storage.

“It has been incredible to watch Cryo Hops brand products gain popularity in the craft beer community over the past five years,” said Karl Vanevenhoven, chief operations officer at YCH. “We’re excited to continue evolving our advanced products. We’ve just barely scratched the surface on hop innovation.”