If you’ve ever cracked open a beer and caught a punchy hit of grapefruit, grass, and something a little wild, you may have just encountered the Comet hop.
Originally bred in the 1960s for high alpha bittering, Comet has made a cosmic comeback thanks to its intense aroma and flavor profile. It is perfect for fruit-forward style beers such as Hazy IPAs and Pale Ales.
This retro hop is bold and slightly untamed, so we like to think of it as the space cowboy of hops.
If you’re ready to brew something crushable, keep on reading.
Flavor + Aroma Profile: Orbiting Between Dank and Citrus
The beauty of Comet is that it offers a unique flavor profile. It’s not heavily citric like Citra and Amorilla or dank like Columbus and Chinook. It’s a perfect blend of both flavor profiles.
Comet is often described as:
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Grapefruit rind
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Tart citrus
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Dank and wild grassy notes
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Earthy with a subtle spice finish
But its wild nature hasn’t always played well with the masses. In early brewing days, Comet was considered “too wild.” Many brewers steered clear of its universal properties, opting for something “safer”. In today’s modern brewing landscape, those same reasons are exactly why brewers love it. It’s the perfect addition to hop-forward styles here that grapefruit-pith bitterness and deep earthy edge really shine.
At Hops Direct, we recommend brewers use Comet in later additions or dry hopping to really bring out the hop's citrusy brightness. The dank kick at the end is perfect for pushing boundaries.
Comet Hop Stats
Here’s how Comet stacks up:
Best Beer Styles for Comet
As 5th-generation hop farmers, what we love most about it is that it’s Comet, not a one-trick pony. It works in various beer styles, especially when leaning into the wild citrus and earthy bites in Comet’s flavor profile.
West Coast IPAs - Dank, piney, citrus-forward? Check, check, and check.
Pale Ales - Add in late or dry hop for a fresh zing.
American Wheat Beers - Comet brings the citrus to complement a lighter base.
Sour Ales - That tart grapefruit note is a certified chef’s kiss.
Experimental Styles - Whether you're brewing a hazy hybrid or a galaxy-themed brew, Comet brings character.
Looking to try Comet for yourself? We’ve put together a list of some pretty stellar brews that put Comet center stage. Here are a few worth tracking down:
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Rainbows & Unicorns – Breakside Brewery (OR)
Award-winning session IPA brewed with flaked rice to create as light-bodied a beer as possible with juicy, tropical, and fruity hop flavors. You are all in for a magical ride!
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Blue Comet – Widowmaker Brewing (MA)
A hazy IPA that uses Comet in the mix for a super dank, tropical hazy. Want less ABV? Try its little bro Lil Comet!
Free Bird – Wye Beer Co (PA)
Three cheers for a gluten-free beer that actually tastes good! With a 4-cap rating on Untapped, Free Bird is a flavorful ale that checks all the Comet-shaped boxes.
These beers prove Comet isn’t just a background hop; it can absolutely run the show.
Why Buy Comet Hops at Hops Direct?
Whether you're a homebrewer hunting for your next standout hop or a craft brewery building your next flagship, Hops Direct has you covered.
Because Hops Direct grows, processes, and ships our hops, you know you’re getting top-tier freshness at a brewer-friendly price without the middleman markup.
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Available in: T-90 Pellets or Whole Leaf
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Packaging Sizes: From 1 lb to 11 lb and larger for commercial needs
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Freshly harvested & farm-direct
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Straight from Yakima Valley (aka hop heaven)
Bottom line: don’t sleep on Comet.
Comet hops might have started as a high-alpha workhorse, but today, they’re a cosmic star, perfect for brewers who want to add something bold, juicy, and just a little wild to their beers. If you’re ready to launch your next brew into flavor orbit, grab some Comet from Hops Direct and let the hop magic happen.
About Hops Direct
We’ve been growing hops for five generations in the heart of Yakima Valley. When you buy from Hops Direct, you’re not getting warehouse leftovers. You’re getting hops straight from our farm, packaged carefully, and ready for your next brew day. Plus, you’re supporting small business.
