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Duck Foot & Mill 95 Showcase the Power of Idaho Hops with Invaders from Idaho

For many beer drinkers, the conversation around American hops begins and ends with Washington’s Yakima Valley or Oregon’s Willamette Valley. These regions have long dominated hop production, supplying breweries with some of the most sought-after varieties in the industry. 

But there’s another major player that deserves just as much attention: Idaho.

Idaho is no longer a hidden gem in the hop world—it’s a powerhouse. The state now accounts for over 16% of U.S. hop production, ranking second in the nation behind Washington and well ahead of Oregon. With its rich volcanic soil, optimal climate, and dedication to innovation, Idaho has become a breeding ground for exceptional hop varieties, many of which are developed by multi-generational, family-owned farms.

And at Mill 95, Idaho’s only independent, in-state hop processing facility, our mission is to connect brewers with the incredible flavors that Idaho-grown hops have to offer. 

It’s why we were thrilled to collaborate with Duck Foot Brewing—a San Diego-based craft brewery known for its creativity and hop-forward beers—on a project that puts Idaho hops front and center.

 

 

An IPA That Lets Idaho Hops Shine

Released during the American Hop Convention in San Diego—a gathering of hop growers, brewers, and industry professionals—Invaders from Idaho is a West Coast IPA brewed specifically to highlight three distinctive hop varieties developed and cultivated in Idaho:

  • Idaho 7 – A modern classic known for its big tropical fruit, citrus, and resinous pine character.

  • Idaho Gem – Bursting with candied fruit flavors, including red berry, citrus, and a hint of spice.

  • Experimental ID-158 (‘Pink’) – A newer variety that brings ripe strawberry, bubble gum, and bright citrus zest to the mix.

To ensure these hops took center stage, Duck Foot kept the recipe simple, using Pilsner malt, wheat malt, and a clean yeast strain to provide a crisp, light foundation. The hops were added throughout the brewing process, from the kettle all the way through two rounds of dry-hopping, maximizing the impact of their aromatic and flavor compounds.

The result? A bright, balanced, and incredibly drinkable IPA that showcases the depth and complexity of Idaho-grown hops.

 

IPA Invaders from Idaho

 

A Brewer’s Perspective on Idaho Hops

As Duck Foot’s Head Brewer, Matt Akin, explained:

"We wanted to make sure those farmers could recognize their work in this beer. We kept the recipe simple… Pilsner malt, wheat malt, a clean yeast, and lots of hops. Idaho 7, Idaho Gem, and Experimental ID-158 were used from kettle additions through two rounds of dry-hopping, and that combination yields a bright and vibrant flavor profile. Fresh lemon peel, ripe strawberries, and bubble gum all leap from the glass and pull you in for a taste, balanced by a light, piney resin note. The beer finishes clean and dry, leaving you ready to enjoy more of the excellent work done by the farmers at Gooding Farms and Jackson Farms in Idaho. Cheers to them for their dedication to growing high-quality hops for all of us to enjoy!”

Idaho Hops: A Growing Force in Brewing

At Mill 95, we believe Idaho-grown hops deserve a bigger spotlight in the brewing world. The state’s unique terroir produces hops with a wide spectrum of flavors—from bold citrus and stone fruit to herbal, spicy, and resinous characteristics—offering brewers an expansive palette to create innovative, high-quality beers.

Collaborations like this one with Duck Foot Brewing help introduce more brewers and beer drinkers to the depth, diversity, and pure quality of Idaho hops. Whether it’s established varieties like Idaho 7 and Idaho Gem, or promising newcomers like Experimental ID-158, Idaho’s hop industry is pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in hop-forward beer styles.

 

 

A Cheers to Idaho Hops and the Brewers Who Champion Them

Invaders from Idaho isn’t just an IPA—it’s a testament to the work of Idaho’s hop growers, brewers, and everyone dedicated to the craft. At Mill 95, we’re honored to be part of this movement, helping connect breweries with hops that elevate their beer and introduce new layers of flavor to drinkers everywhere.

So, the next time you enjoy a beer brewed with Idaho-grown hops, raise a glass to the farmers, brewers, and innovators behind it. And if you haven’t yet experienced what Idaho hops can do, Invaders from Idaho is a perfect place to start.

 

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