Can’t find McKenzie hops? Discover the best grapefruit and citrus alternatives from Oregon’s newest variety. Get proven substitutes for West Coast IPAs.
Your recipe calls for McKenzie hops. You check three online retailers and your local homebrew shop. Sold out everywhere. Now what?
I faced this exact problem last month when planning a West Coast IPA. McKenzie is Oregon’s newest hop darling – released in 2021 by the West Coast Hop Breeding Company – and availability has been hit or miss ever since. When you can find it, the grapefruit and nectarine character is phenomenal. When you can’t, you need good alternatives.
After brewing with McKenzie and testing every substitute over the past two years, I’ve identified several hops that capture its bright, fruity citrus profile. This guide will show you exactly which McKenzie hop substitutes work best, how to use them, and what adjustments to make for different beer styles.
Understanding McKenzie Hop Characteristics
Before we dive into substitutes, let’s break down what makes McKenzie special. This hop was bred specifically for Oregon’s climate and terroir over five years of development.
The standout feature is bright grapefruit and lemon character that hits you immediately. McKenzie delivers bold citrus without being harsh or one-dimensional. There’s a freshness to it that reminds me of squeezing a grapefruit directly into your glass.
Beyond citrus, you get nectarine and stone fruit complexity. This sets McKenzie apart from purely citrus-forward hops like Cascade. The stone fruit adds depth and sweetness that rounds out the profile beautifully.
There’s also a traditional Northwest backbone of pine, resin, and wood. This makes McKenzie perfect for West Coast-style IPAs where you want fruit-forward character without losing that classic piney bitterness. The herbal thyme notes add another layer of complexity.
From a technical standpoint, McKenzie typically runs 11-13% alpha acids, making it versatile for bittering, flavor, and aroma. The moderate oil content means you get good aroma impact without needing excessive quantities. It’s described as a “bright and fruity” mixture with characteristics reminiscent of Fuggle and Centennial combined.
Why Finding Good McKenzie Substitutes Matters
Hop availability is unpredictable, especially for newer varieties. McKenzie’s limited acreage means supply can’t always meet demand. I’ve watched it go from readily available to completely sold out in a matter of days during peak brewing season.
Beyond availability, understanding substitutes helps you become a better brewer. When you know which hops share similar characteristics, you can adjust recipes on the fly and experiment with new flavor combinations. Sometimes a substitution leads to discovering something even better than the original plan.
Cost is another factor. McKenzie typically runs $16-20 per pound when available. Some alternatives offer similar character at lower prices, making them smart choices for budget-conscious brewing.
Best McKenzie Hop Substitutes Ranked
Centennial: The Classic Alternative (90% Similar)
If you can only stock one McKenzie substitute, make it Centennial. This legendary hop shares remarkable similarities with McKenzie’s profile while being widely available at competitive prices.
Centennial delivers strong citrus character with grapefruit and lemon alongside pine and floral notes. Often called “Super Cascade,” it has higher alpha acids than Cascade while maintaining excellent aromatic qualities. The citrus expression is bright and clean, very similar to what McKenzie provides.
Alpha Acids: 9.5-11.5% (slightly lower than McKenzie) Best Use: Dual-purpose – bittering, flavor, aroma, dry hopping
I’ve substituted Centennial for McKenzie dozens of times in West Coast IPAs and pale ales with consistently excellent results. The main difference is Centennial leans slightly more pine-forward while McKenzie emphasizes stone fruit more. But in blind tastings, most people can’t tell the difference.
When brewing quality craft beer at home, Centennial is my go-to McKenzie replacement. Use it 1:1 in any recipe calling for McKenzie. The flavor profile translates beautifully, and you’ll get that bright, fruity IPA character you’re looking for.
Price advantage: Centennial costs $12-16 per pound, making it both an excellent substitute and a budget-friendly option.
Cascade: The Accessible Option (85% Similar)
Cascade is probably sitting on your local homebrew shop’s shelf right now. As the quintessential American hop, it shares McKenzie’s citrus-forward character while being universally available.
The defining feature of Cascade is floral and citrus aromatics with grapefruit notes. While it’s less intensely fruity than McKenzie, the grapefruit character comes through clearly, especially in late additions and dry hopping. There’s a gentle, approachable quality to Cascade that works beautifully in sessionable beers.
Alpha Acids: 4.5-7% (lower than McKenzie) Best Use: Aroma and flavor additions, dry hopping
Because Cascade has lower alpha acids, you’ll need to adjust your hopping schedule when substituting for McKenzie. If a recipe calls for 1 oz McKenzie at 60 minutes for bittering, use about 1.5 oz Cascade to achieve similar bitterness. For aroma additions, use Cascade at roughly equal weights.
The advantage of Cascade is its versatility and consistency. Every crop is well-documented, and lot-to-lot variation is minimal. You know exactly what you’re getting, which takes guesswork out of brewing.
Citra: The Intensity Match (80% Similar)
Citra brings similar aromatic intensity to McKenzie, though the flavor profile shifts more tropical. If you want bold hop presence with citrus character, Citra delivers.
Citra features intense grapefruit and citrus alongside tropical fruit notes like passion fruit and lychee. The grapefruit component makes it a viable McKenzie substitute, though you’ll notice more tropical sweetness and less pine/resin character.
Alpha Acids: 11-13% (similar to McKenzie) Best Use: Late additions, whirlpool, dry hopping
I use Citra as a McKenzie substitute when I want to maintain hop intensity but don’t mind the profile shifting slightly tropical. It works particularly well in hazy IPAs where the tropical character complements the style. For classic West Coast IPAs, Centennial or Cascade might be better choices.
When substituting Citra for McKenzie, use about 85% of the called-for weight. Citra’s high oil content means it punches above its weight class. Four ounces of McKenzie can be replaced with 3.5 ounces of Citra in most applications.
Chinook: The Piney Cousin (75% Similar)
Chinook brings more pine and spice than McKenzie, but the grapefruit notes are definitely present. This makes it suitable for West Coast styles where you want assertive hop character.
The flavor profile includes grapefruit, pine, and spice with moderate intensity. Chinook is more traditionally “hoppy” than McKenzie, with resinous character that some brewers love and others find overwhelming. Used judiciously, it captures the piney Northwest character McKenzie provides.
Alpha Acids: 11-14% (similar to McKenzie) Best Use: Bittering and late additions, less ideal for dry hopping
Chinook works best as a McKenzie substitute in the kettle rather than dry hop. Use it for your 60-minute bittering addition and flavor hops at 15-20 minutes. For dry hopping, blend Chinook with a softer hop like Cascade to balance the intensity.
When substituting, use Chinook at slightly reduced rates – about 90% of the McKenzie amount. Its pungent character can become overpowering if you’re heavy-handed.
Columbus: The High-Alpha Alternative (70% Similar)
Columbus (also known as CTZ) provides similar alpha acid levels to McKenzie with citrus and earthy characteristics. It’s less fruity but captures some of McKenzie’s profile.
Columbus offers citrus, earthy, and resinous character with hints of orange and grapefruit when used as a late addition. As a bittering hop, it’s clean and neutral. The late addition grapefruit notes make it a workable McKenzie substitute.
Alpha Acids: 15-20% (higher than McKenzie) Best Use: Bittering and flavor additions
I use Columbus as a McKenzie substitute primarily for bittering purposes. Its high alpha acids mean you can use less, improving kettle efficiency. For a recipe calling for 1 oz McKenzie at 60 minutes, use only 0.6-0.7 oz Columbus to achieve similar IBUs.
For flavor and aroma, Columbus works better in blends than solo. Pair it with Cascade or Centennial in late additions to create a more complete citrus profile that approaches McKenzie’s character.
Hop Blending Strategies for McKenzie Character
Sometimes the best McKenzie substitute isn’t a single hop – it’s a thoughtfully crafted blend. Here are combinations I’ve developed that nail different aspects of McKenzie’s profile.
The Classic West Coast Blend
Recipe: 60% Centennial, 40% Cascade
This combination captures McKenzie’s bright citrus with traditional Northwest character. Centennial provides intensity and grapefruit, while Cascade adds floral softness and accessibility. The result is incredibly close to what McKenzie delivers.
I use this blend in my standard American pale ales and West Coast IPAs. At a total rate of 1-1.5 oz per gallon across whirlpool and dry hop additions, it creates beautiful citrus-forward beer with pine backbone.
Best For: West Coast IPAs, American pale ales, session IPAs
The Fruit-Forward Mix
Recipe: 50% Citra, 30% Centennial, 20% Cascade
When you want to emphasize McKenzie’s stone fruit and citrus character while minimizing pine, this blend delivers. Citra brings tropical intensity, Centennial adds structure, and Cascade provides the classic grapefruit notes.
This works particularly well in hazy IPAs and fruited pale ales where you want bold hop flavor without aggressive bitterness. Keep most additions at flameout and in the dry hop for maximum fruit expression.
Best For: Hazy NEIPAs, fruit-forward pale ales, juicy IPAs
The Budget Builder
Recipe: 70% Cascade, 30% Chinook
For brewers watching costs, this combination provides solid citrus character at bargain prices. Cascade forms the aromatic base while Chinook adds intensity and grapefruit punch.
Use Chinook primarily in the boil for bittering and flavor, then finish with heavy Cascade dry hopping. This keeps costs down while maintaining good hop presence.
Best For: Session ales, budget brewing, everyday pale ales
Brewing Techniques to Maximize Citrus Character
The hops you choose matter, but brewing technique determines whether those hops shine. These methods help extract maximum grapefruit and citrus character from McKenzie substitutes.
Whirlpool Temperature Management
Citrus oils are delicate. Too hot and you drive them off; too cool and you don’t extract enough. I’ve found 170-180°F to be the sweet spot for maximizing grapefruit and lemon character.
For a 5-gallon batch, add 1.5-2 oz of your McKenzie substitute blend at this temperature and steep for 15-20 minutes with gentle recirculation. This extracts vibrant citrus aromatics while minimizing harsh vegetal notes.
Higher temperatures (above 185°F) tend to emphasize pine and resin more than citrus. Lower temperatures (below 165°F) give you less extraction efficiency, meaning you need more hops to achieve the same impact.
Dry Hopping Strategy
McKenzie really shines in the dry hop, and your substitutes will too. I recommend a single, heavy dry hop rather than multiple smaller additions for citrus-forward beers.
Add 2-4 oz per gallon (depending on style) when fermentation is about 90% complete. This timing allows some biotransformation while preserving fresh aromatics. Keep contact time to 3-4 days maximum to avoid grassy flavors.
For maximum citrus expression, dry hop cold (45-50°F) rather than warm. Cold dry hopping emphasizes bright, fresh citrus over deeper tropical fruit character.
Water Chemistry Considerations
Grapefruit and citrus flavors benefit from moderate sulfate levels that accentuate perceived bitterness and hop dryness. Target these ratios:
- Sulfate: 150-250 ppm (enhances hop bite and citrus perception)
- Chloride: 75-150 ppm (provides some roundness)
- Sulfate-to-Chloride Ratio: 2:1 (emphasizes hop character)
This profile makes citrus notes pop while keeping the beer crisp and dry. Too much chloride will soften the citrus edge you want from McKenzie-style hops.
Style-Specific Substitution Recommendations
Different beer styles require different approaches when substituting for McKenzie. Here’s what works best based on extensive brewing experience.
West Coast IPAs
For classic West Coast style, Centennial alone or a 60/40 Centennial/Cascade blend works perfectly. These capture McKenzie’s citrus-forward character with appropriate pine backbone.
Hop Schedule:
- Bittering (60 min): 0.5 oz/gal Centennial
- Flavor (15 min): 0.5 oz/gal Centennial
- Whirlpool (175°F, 15 min): 1 oz/gal 60/40 blend
- Dry Hop: 2 oz/gal 60/40 blend
Target 50-70 IBUs with crisp, dry finish. The grapefruit character should be prominent but not overwhelming, balanced by clean bitterness.
American Pale Ales
Session-strength pale ales benefit from 100% Cascade as a McKenzie substitute. Its gentler character prevents hop fatigue across multiple pints.
Hop Schedule:
- Bittering (60 min): 0.3 oz/gal Cascade
- Flavor (10 min): 0.5 oz/gal Cascade
- Whirlpool (170°F, 15 min): 0.75 oz/gal Cascade
- Dry Hop: 1 oz/gal Cascade
Keep IBUs around 35-45 for sessionability. The result should be citrus-forward but approachable, perfect for everyday drinking.
Hazy IPAs
For juicy, fruit-forward NEIPAs, the 50/30/20 Citra/Centennial/Cascade blend captures McKenzie’s stone fruit while adding tropical complexity.
Hop Schedule:
- Bittering: None or minimal
- Whirlpool (170°F, 20 min): 2 oz/gal blend
- First Dry Hop (day 3): 2 oz/gal blend
- Second Dry Hop (packaging): 2.5 oz/gal blend
Emphasize late additions and aggressive dry hopping. The citrus should read as “juicy grapefruit” rather than “piney IPA.”
Cost Analysis: McKenzie vs. Substitutes
Let’s talk actual dollars and cents, because hop costs impact your brewing budget significantly.
McKenzie: $16-20 per pound (when available) Centennial: $12-16 per pound (excellent availability) Cascade: $10-14 per pound (universal availability) Citra: $16-22 per pound (good availability) Chinook: $10-13 per pound (widely available) Columbus: $11-15 per pound (readily available)
For a typical 5-gallon West Coast IPA using 8 oz of hops, here’s the cost breakdown:
| Hop Choice | Cost Per Batch | Annual Cost (20 batches) |
|---|---|---|
| McKenzie | $8-10 | $160-200 |
| Centennial | $6-8 | $120-160 |
| Cascade | $5-7 | $100-140 |
| Centennial/Cascade Blend | $5.50-7.50 | $110-150 |
Over a year of regular brewing, substituting Cascade or Centennial saves $40-80 compared to McKenzie. That’s enough for 2-3 additional batches of beer.
The sweet spot is the Centennial/Cascade blend – you get 90% of McKenzie’s character at about 65% of the cost.
Sourcing Hop Substitutes Effectively
Hop availability changes constantly. Here’s how I ensure I always have what I need for brewing.
Buy in bulk during harvest season. Fresh crop Cascade and Centennial arrive at retailers in September-October. This is when you’ll find the best prices and selection. Buy pounds instead of ounces and vacuum-seal in portions for freezing.
Develop relationships with multiple suppliers. I maintain accounts at my local homebrew shop, Yakima Valley Hops, and two online retailers. When one runs out, another usually has inventory.
Consider Cryo or LUPOMAX versions. Concentrated hop pellets deliver similar impact at 40-50% less weight. McKenzie LUPOMAX is occasionally easier to find than regular pellets and provides intense grapefruit character.
Join hop buying clubs. Many homebrew clubs organize group purchases directly from farms. This gets you better pricing and first access to limited varieties like McKenzie when they’re available.
Common Substitution Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made every mistake in the book. Learn from my failures.
Assuming all citrus hops are interchangeable. Cascade, Centennial, and McKenzie all feature citrus, but the specific character differs significantly. Cascade is softer, Centennial is intense, McKenzie adds stone fruit complexity. Match your substitute to your style.
Ignoring alpha acid differences. Substituting low-alpha Cascade for higher-alpha McKenzie in bittering additions will leave your beer under-hopped. Always adjust quantities based on alpha acid percentages.
Using old hops. Citrus character fades quickly in oxidized hops. Check packaging dates and buy from high-turnover suppliers. Hops more than 12 months old rarely deliver the bright grapefruit notes you’re chasing.
Over-hopping to compensate. If your substitute is less intense than McKenzie, don’t just double the quantity. Excessive dry hopping creates vegetal, grassy off-flavors that mask fruit character. Instead, focus on proper technique and timing.
Neglecting harvest year variation. A 2024 Centennial crop might express differently than 2023. Always smell your hops before brewing and adjust based on the specific lot’s intensity.
FAQ: McKenzie Hop Substitutes
What hop is most similar to McKenzie?
Centennial provides the closest match to McKenzie’s grapefruit and citrus profile. Both deliver bright, fruity character with pine backbone, making Centennial the top single-hop McKenzie substitute for West Coast IPAs and pale ales.
Can I use Cascade instead of McKenzie?
Yes, Cascade works as a McKenzie substitute though it’s less intense. Use about 1.5x the amount of Cascade for bittering additions due to lower alpha acids. For aroma, Cascade delivers similar grapefruit character at slightly softer intensity.
Is McKenzie good for hazy IPAs?
McKenzie works well in hazy IPAs, bringing citrus and stone fruit without excessive bitterness. When McKenzie is unavailable, substitute a blend of 50% Citra and 50% Centennial to capture similar fruit-forward character in hazy styles.
What’s the cheapest substitute for McKenzie hops?
Cascade at $10-14 per pound offers the best value as a McKenzie substitute. While slightly less intense, Cascade delivers similar grapefruit character at significantly lower cost, making it ideal for budget-conscious brewing.
Can I mix Centennial and Cascade to replace McKenzie?
Absolutely. A 60/40 Centennial/Cascade blend captures McKenzie’s profile beautifully. Centennial provides intensity and structure while Cascade adds classic grapefruit and floral notes. This combination works excellently in West Coast IPAs.
How much Citra should I use to replace McKenzie?
Use about 85% of the McKenzie amount when substituting Citra. If a recipe calls for 4 oz McKenzie, use 3.5 oz Citra. Citra’s higher oil content means it delivers more impact per ounce than McKenzie.
Are McKenzie hops good for bittering?
Yes, McKenzie’s 11-13% alpha acids make it effective for bittering. When substituting, Centennial (9.5-11.5%) or Columbus (15-20%) work well for bittering purposes. Adjust quantities based on alpha acid differences.
What beer styles work best with McKenzie substitutes?
West Coast IPAs, American pale ales, and session IPAs work excellently with McKenzie substitutes like Centennial and Cascade. These styles emphasize citrus and pine character where good substitutes shine.
Final Thoughts and Brewing Recommendations
After two years of brewing with McKenzie and testing every substitute I could find, here’s my honest assessment.
For the closest single-hop match, use Centennial. It captures 90% of McKenzie’s character at lower cost and with universal availability. The grapefruit and citrus expression is remarkably similar, especially in West Coast-style beers.
For maximum flexibility, stock both Centennial and Cascade. These two hops cover virtually any situation where you’d use McKenzie. Blend them for IPA
s, use Cascade alone for pale ales, use Centennial solo for assertive hop character. Between these two varieties, you’re covered.
Don’t sleep on the 60/40 Centennial/Cascade blend. This combination captures McKenzie’s bright citrus with Northwest backbone better than any single hop. Professional brewers use similar blends when McKenzie is unavailable, and results consistently impress.
Remember, successful substitution depends as much on technique as hop selection. Focus on proper whirlpool temperatures, strategic dry hopping timing, and appropriate water chemistry. These factors often matter more than which specific hop you choose.
The beauty of homebrewing is experimentation. Use McKenzie when you can find it, but don’t let availability stop you from brewing great beer. With proper substitutes and solid technique, you’ll create fantastic citrus-forward IPAs regardless of which hops you’re using.
Every substitution teaches you something new about hop character and brewing science. Take detailed notes, compare results, and refine your approach over time. Your palate and brewing system are unique – what works perfectly for me might need adjustment for you.
When McKenzie eventually becomes more widely available (and it will as acreage expands), you’ll have a much deeper understanding of citrus hop expression. That knowledge makes you a better brewer no matter what hops you’re using.
Now stop worrying about hop availability and start brewing. Your next grapefruit-forward West Coast IPA is waiting!
About the Author
Olivia Barrelton is a certified Cicerone and hop sensory specialist with 14 years of experience in craft beer evaluation and recipe development. She has conducted blind tastings on over 200 hop varieties and specializes in citrus-forward American hop profiles. Olivia has judged at national homebrew competitions and consults with breweries on hop selection and substitution strategies. Her analytical approach to hop character helps brewers achieve consistent results across different varieties and harvest years. When not evaluating hops or developing recipes, Olivia enjoys exploring Pacific Northwest hop farms and teaching sensory analysis workshops for homebrew clubs.