Since TrackTown U.S.A., i.e. Eugene, Ore., lies squarely in the Willamette Valley, we figured this would be a good place to start with our rundown of top hops ahead of the Beer Mile World Championships.

This hop, was developed and released by the USDA in 1976 as a seedling of Fuggle, one of the quintessential hops in English-brewed beers. Willamette has since earned the reputation for being the king of aroma hops in American craft ales because of its modest bittering values. The tastes it produces are delicate, with peppery, herbaceous notes.

Willamette hops are featured in beers such as Dogfish Head Squall IPA, Real Ale Brewing Company’s Full Moon Pale Rye Ale, Big Head Brewery's Red Rooster Ale and Aviator Brewing Company’s One hundred IPA. If you are looking for a taste of Willamette that is also conducive to chugging during the Beer Mile WC, we would suggest something lighter, like Kona Brewing Company’s Duke Blonde Ale.