is a modern British hop that was released for commercial cultivation in 2000. It was bred at the Hop Research Institute Wye as part of its dwarf breeding program. See hedge hopsand wye college. Although both its parents, First Gold and Herald, are dwarf varieties, Pilgrim is not. Young’s Brewery was an early commercial consumer of Pilgrim, whereas as of 2010, the largest Pilgrim customer was Molson Coors, who use it in Carling lager. Pilgrim is a dual-purpose bittering and aroma hop, but with relatively high alpha acid levels between 9% and 13%. Its bitterness, however, is often considered slightly harsh, which may be because of its high level of cohumulone (about 36% to 38%). Many consumers who enjoy beers with aggressive hop bitterness, on the other hand, consider the Pilgrim bitterness quality fairly pleasant and slightly citrus-like, especially when compared with that of other high-alpha hops. See bitterness. The Pilgrim aroma is largely dominated by high levels of humulene (roughly 17%) and its flavor is earthy and spicy. Agronomically, Pilgrim matures mid- to late season, is a vigorous grower, and is the most wilt resistant of any variety planted today. It is also highly resistant to both powdery and downy mildew. Its average yield is a solid 1,250 to 1,500 kg (2,756 to 3,307 lb) per acre. It also keeps well in storage.
