Comet

Bold lemon and grapefruit with lemongrass and herbal notes.

Where It Lives

• Tropical & Citrus (primary)
• Floral & Herbal (secondary)

Storytime

Comet is an older American hop that was released in the 1970s. It was originally bred as a high-alpha bittering hop but gained attention for its very bold and distinctive aroma - often described as bright lemon, grapefruit, and grassy with a strong herbal and spicy edge. While it never became as widely used as some other American hops, it developed a small following among brewers who appreciate its aggressive, old-school character. It has a somewhat wild, pungent quality that stands out compared to cleaner modern varieties.

Key Specs

• Alpha Acids: 9 – 12%
• Total Oil: 1.5 – 2.5 mL/100g
• Origin: United States
• Form: Pellet
• Common Substitutions: Chinook or Simcoe (in some recipes)
• More tech specs here

Practical Use

Comet can be used for both bittering and aroma. It performs well in late boil and whirlpool additions, where it delivers its signature lemony, herbal, and spicy notes. Because it’s quite bold and pungent, it can easily overpower a beer if used too heavily. Most people find 1.5–3 oz total in 5 gallons works well when used as a supporting hop.

Brew day tip: It pairs especially well with hops like Citra, Mosaic, or Simcoe when you want to add a sharp, herbal citrus twist. It can also work on its own in bolder West Coast or hybrid IPAs if you’re looking for something with more edge.