Introducing Krush: A Bold New Yakima Hop – Now in Three New Beers from The Kernel Brewery

by Kernel Brewery May 9, 2025

A bottle of Pale Ale - Krush and India Pale Ale - Krush from The Kernel Brewery stood next to a glass of golden beer atop a wooden bench.

There’s a buzz in the brewhouse at The Kernel Brewery, Bermondsey. And it all revolves around a single, experimental hop: Krush (HBC 586). Sourced directly from the Yakima Valley, this new variety has caught the attention of modern brewers around the world.

We're proud to be the first brewery in the UK to get our hands on both pellet and whole-cone formats of this exceptional hop. Naturally, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore its possibilities.

To celebrate the arrival of Krush, we’ve brewed three limited-edition beers that highlight its bold, expressive profile:

Krush Pale Ale
Krush India Pale Ale
Krush Spring Pale Ale (available in cask only)

What Is Krush (HBC 586) and Why Are Brewers Excited?

Krush, also known as HBC 586, is a proprietary hop developed by the Hop Breeding Company. A joint venture between Yakima Chief Ranches and John I. Haas. Bred for high aroma impact and oil content, Krush is engineered specifically for modern, hop-forward beer styles such as IPAs, Pale Ales, and Hazy Pale Ales.

Its standout characteristics? An intensely tropical fruit aroma, led by mango, guava, lychee, and citrus peel, with a touch of soft pine and herbal complexity. Brewers have also noted undertones of red berries, melon, and passion fruit depending on how and when it’s used in the brewing process.

According to Yakima Chief Hops, Krush is "a flavor bomb" capable of carrying both standalone single-hop beers and complex blends. Its versatility allows it to shine in everything from dry-hopped lagers to heavily-hopped New England IPAs.

At The Kernel, our focus is always on balance, drinkability, and expression of raw ingredients. Krush fits beautifully into this ethos, offering vibrant aroma and flavor without overwhelming bitterness or clashing with our house style.

Tasting Notes From the Brewhouse

🍺 Krush Pale Ale

Pale Ale lets Krush do all the talking. Brewed with a simple malt bill to give the hop full expression, it bursts with juicy papaya, guava, and a surprising hint of key lime pie. There’s a light chewiness to the body—enough to give substance without weighing it down.

Expect a clean, tropical character with a refreshing finish. It's the kind of beer you'll want to return to, sip after sip.

🍻 Krush India Pale Ale

The IPA version brings out deeper stone fruit notes, with peach, pineapple, and a subtle tang of green mango on the palate. There's also a soft, fuzzy texture—almost like the skin of the fruit it evokes. This iteration is a slightly more refined and layered take on Krush.

Despite the hop intensity, it's approachable, smooth, and not overly bitter. Think of it as a modern West Coast IPA with tropical flair and plenty of aroma-driven complexity.

🌼 Krush Spring Pale Ale (Cask Only)

A seasonal cask-only release, this Spring Pale Ale is a celebration of freshness and balance. On cask, Krush’s tropical aromatics are softened and rounded, with a gentle carbonation that enhances the beer’s drinkability. It’s bright, clean, and finishes with the delicate bitterness we love in a cask pour.

Spring Pale Ale truly captures the season—light, lush, and welcoming.

Be Among the First to Try Krush in the UK

On Wednesday, 14th May, we’re pouring all three Krush beers on draught at our Taproom on Spa Road. This is a rare opportunity to explore an experimental hop in multiple formats—single-hopped, whole-cone, and pellet-infused.

If you’re a hop lover, craft beer enthusiast, or someone who enjoys exploring flavour in beer, this is not to be missed. These beers are extremely limited and brewed only for this occasion.

Why This Matters for Hop Innovation and UK Brewing

At The Kernel Brewery, we’ve always prioritised curiosity. Whether it’s exploring ancient grains, fermenting in wood, or diving into hop variety trials, our goal is simple: to make beers that speak clearly and honestly of their ingredients.

Krush's (HBC 586) arrival signals something exciting for both UK breweries and drinkers alike—a shift towards new, complex hop characters that evolve with every sip. We’re excited to be at the forefront of this exploration, and even more excited to share the journey with you.

Come Taste the Future of Hops

Join us this Wednesday at the Taproom and experience Krush in Pale Ale, IPA, and Spring Cask Ale. These beers are a first for the UK—and we think you’ll agree, Krush has the potential to become a modern classic.