Strata, formerly known as X-331, is Indie Hop’s first hop variety to be released out of our breeding program at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. Born in 2009, Strata is the progeny of an open pollinated Perle located in an Oregon State experimental hop yard. From the get go, this hop was out to impress. Between its strong disease resistance, vigorous growth habit, and complex layers of aroma, x331 rose to the top of an impressive group of competitors. An IPA/Session-IPA/Pale Ale (and believe it or don’t, lager hop) with many layers of different fruit flavor, dried and fresh, anchored with a dried chili-cannabis-funk that does not have any diesel, machine oil, or catty ‘baggage’. Late hot side additions bring out layers of rounded-tropical plus bright-fresh fruit flavors; dry hopping yields more grapefruit and cannabis. Nice with roasted malts too.
