Logo

Free Shipping!

Welcome to the new Yakima Chief Hops Canada site! Celebrate with free shipping on all orders through July 31.

Whole Leaf Hops

Whole leaf hops on a table
Whole Leaf Hops Classic product icon

Whole Leaf Hops

Kiln-Dried for Your Complete Field to Pint Profile
Whole Hop Flavour

Kiln-dried whole cone hops embody the characteristics of their variety along with the distinct aspects of each farm, field, and growing season, for the most authentic hop expression. Whole Leaf Hops are kiln-dried immediately after harvest and then pressed into bales–all on the farm where they are grown.

Bine Line SVG image
Whole leaf hops on a table

Advantages

Field to Pint Profile

Whole Leaf Hops not only express the aromas and characteristics of their variety, but they also represent the unique aspects of the field and farm from which they were harvested.

Dual Purpose

Depending on your target profile for your finished product, Whole Leaf Hops can be used for bitterness or aroma. Whole leaf hops are suitable for use at any stage of the brewing process.

Wide Selection of Varieties

Every single hop product we offer has started as a whole leaf, which means Whole Leaf Hops are available in every variety we grow.

Improved Trub Formation

It is generally recognized that adding Whole Leaf Hops to the kettle leads to improved trub formation and improved antimicrobial and anti-foaming properties. Use Whole Leaf Hops early in the boil for the best alpha acid utilization.

Bine Line SVG image

Ideal For

Kettle Additions
Whirlpool Additions
Dry Hopping

Product Documents

Whole leaf hops in hands
How to Brew with Whole Leaf Hops

Whole Leaf Hops are a classic option for brewers to achieve bold aroma and flavour. Leaf hops can complement any style of brewing. It is recommended that brewers who choose to implement Whole Leaf Hops utilize a hop back, or similar equipment, to keep the cones from blocking process plumbing.

Bine Line SVG image
Kettle

Kettle Brewing

Whole Leaf Hops may be used in any kettle scenario and can aid in trub formation and foam reduction. Small variations in kettle utilization may occur due to cone shape and size. Additional equipment may be necessary to screen hops from entering the process piping.
Whirlpool

Post-Boil/Whirlpool

Whole Leaf Hops may be used in any post-boil or whirlpool scenario. Additional equipment may be necessary to screen hops from entering the process piping.
Fermentation

Active Fermentation Dry Hop

Whole Leaf Hops may be used in any fermentation scenario, although pellets may be more efficient. Additional equipment may be necessary to screen hops from entering the process piping.
Dry hopping

Post Fermentation Dry Hop

Whole Leaf Hops may be used in any dry hop application, although T-90 pellets, Cryo Hops®, HyperBoost®, or a combination of these may be more efficient. Additional equipment may be necessary to screen hops from entering the process piping.
Whole leaf hops in hands

Frequently Asked Questions

Whole Leaf Hops are delivered in burlap or plastic-fibre mesh. Standard bales weigh approximately 200 pounds (90.7 kg) and measure approximately 56” x 16” x 26” (142.2cm x 40.6cm x 66cm). Quarter-bales (50 lbs/23 kg) and mini-bales (11 lbs/5 kg) are sealed in nitrogen-flushed, vacuum-sealed bags and shipped in cartons.

Related Resources
Blog
Product Usage Matrix
Jun 23, 2025 | Cat Wiest

Introducing the Product Usage Matrix

With an abundance of hops and hop products available, navigating the best choices for specific brewing needs can become confusing. How should certain products be applied to perform best within your recipe’s needs? Yakima Chief Hops (YCH) created the Product Usage Matrix, a quick reference for best use practices across various product offerings.
Video
Video play button
00:02:06
Toni Lynn Tries Bale Stitching thumbnail
Jan 26, 2023 | Yakima Chief Hops

Toni Lynn Tries Bale Stitching

Let's stitch some hop bales! After hops are dried in the kilns, they are compressed in rectangular bales and are sewn up by lightning-quick baling crews in burlap or synthetic burlap material. Bales are mechanically sewn shut using a sewing machine and then hand-sewn on the ends with a large needle.
Video
Video play button
00:02:24
Video thumbnail of YCH employees with man holding a small container of hops
Sep 18, 2023 | Yakima Chief Hops

Toni Lynn Tries Core Sampling

Let's grab some core samples! Taking "cores" from the hop bales arriving from the farms is an important part of our sensory analysis and Hop Selection process. At both our Sunnyside and Yakima facilities, our crew pulls about 1,000 cores a day! We take samples for lab analysis in Sunnyside, sensory panel assessment, and for customers to evaluate for Hop Selection.

Testimonials

Bine Line SVG image
Quote Mark

YCH Leaf hops are a core part of brewing here at Thornbridge. We believe the flavour contribution from this more natural and unprocessed form of hops provides a unique character that we couldn’t achieve using other hop products. YCH always provides bright and vibrant hops that are full of the aroma and flavour we would like to transfer into our beers. The burst of hop aroma that hits you when opening each bag is second to none.

Ben Wood
Thornbridge Brewery
Thornbridge Brewery logo

Yakima Chief Hops: Leader in Quality and Innovation