Hop Analysis

Unfortunately, we will not be able to analyze hops samples for the 2022 season.  We are disappointed to make this announcement and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, but we have much better news for the longer term.

First, we are taking this year off because we have invested in new equipment and supplies so we can make our analytical methods more robust.  Next, we are thrilled to announce that Cornell has received initial funding for a hops breeding program.  The Cornell Craft Beverage Institute is excited to work with Dr. Larry Smart in the School of Integrated Plant Science as new hops cultivars are created to meet the needs of growers in the northeastern United States and beyond.

Cornell AgriTech Launches Hops Breeding Program

While we are sorry to not be part of the 2022 hops harvest, we hope to be able to work with hops growers for many years to come.  If you would like a referral to a lab for this year, please contact Molly Cappiello at mec339 [at] cornell.edu.  Thank you for your patience, good luck with this year’s harvest, and we’ll be back in touch soon.

Please note: we are currently unable to analyze fresh (wet) hops samples

What can you expect?

Please ensure that all samples for testing are delivered to our lab by the days and dates indicated below so that we can ensure a timely response. Hop samples will be processed in the order they are received. During the harvest season, please deliver samples to us by Wednesday each week to ensure results by the following Friday. 

Hops samples should be vacuum sealed, cold-packed, and sent overnight to the following address: 

Cornell Brewing Extension Lab Attn: Pam Raes
Cornell AgriTech-110 Agricultural Sciences Research Laboratory
665 W. North Street
​Geneva, NY 14456 USA

  • Alpha and beta acids are indicative of harvest maturity and characteristic of hop cultivar.
  • The hops storage index (HSI) is used to estimate alpha and beta acid loss due to storage and handling.
  • Includes: 10% moisture adjusted acids content (%) and moisture/dry matter (%)
  • Sample Size Needed: 10 grams
  • Hops moisture (commonly reported as percent dry matter) is an important value for harvest determination.
  • Drying hops to their ideal moisture content (8-12%) maximizes hops quality.
  • Sample Size Needed: 10 grams
  • Hop oils contribute aroma to beer, and oil content can be a quality indicator of hops samples.
  • Includes: 10% moisture adjusted total oil content (mL/100 g hops) and moisture/dry matter (%)
  • Sample Size Needed: 100 grams

FOR FINISHED (DRIED/PELLET) HOPS ONLY

  • Includes moisture, alpha and beta acids, and total oils
  • Sample Size Needed: 150 grams

Sampling instructions for fresh hops:

  • Representative sample (not the “best” or “worst” looking)
  • Sealed bag (zip top closure)
  • Next day deliver before 1 pm
  • Cold packed

Sampling instructions for dried hops:

  • Representative sample (in “to be sold” condition)
  • Sealed bag (zip top closure or vacuum sealed foil barrier package)

Sample Submission Form and Instructions

Learn how to submit your beverages for analysis
Hops brewing in lab.