Columbus contributes intense flavour and aroma described as earthy, spicy and with a notable pine touch. This variety is part of a group sometimes called "CTZ", which includes the Columbus, Tomahawk and Zeus varieties, due to their similar characteristics and profiles. It was developed in the 1970s within the hop breeding programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) together with private breeders in Oregon and Washington.
Columbus is famous for its high alpha acid content, which typically ranges between 14% and 18%. This makes it ideal for providing robust and clean bitterness in beer. It is considered one of the "workhorses" of American hops: powerful, versatile and economical, essential in the history of modern IPA.
