Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which state in the United States is the largest producer of hops?

1. California

2. Oregon

3. Washington

4. New York

The correct answer is: Washington

Washington is the largest producer of hops in the United States, accounting for over 70% of the total hop production in the country. This dominance is largely due to the specific climate and soil conditions found in the Yakima Valley, which provide an ideal environment for hop cultivation. The region’s warm and dry climate during the growing season, along with sufficient water supply from the Yakima River, creates optimal conditions for growing many hop varieties. In addition, Washington's hop industry is well-developed with a strong infrastructure that includes numerous farms, processing facilities, and research institutions dedicated to hop production. This focus has led to innovations in growing techniques as well as the development of new hop varieties that meet the changing tastes in the craft beer market. While California, Oregon, and New York all contribute to hop production, they do not match the scale or output of Washington. Oregon is known for producing certain specialty hops, and California has a growing industry, but neither has the sheer volume of production found in Washington. New York also has its own hop farms, especially with a resurgence in interest for local ingredients, yet it remains significantly behind Washington in total output.