Nugget (Hop) is one of the earliest “superalpha” hops. It was released by Al Haunold in 1981 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hop breeding program in Corvallis, Oregon. Nugget originated from a 1970 cross between two USDA varieties, each with high-alpha traits. Among Nugget’s prominent genetic ancestors are Brewer’s Gold, Early Green, and East Kent Golding. See brewer’s gold (hop) and east kent golding (hop). When grown in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Nugget averages between 12% and 15% alpha acids, approximately 5% beta acids, and approximately 27% cohumulone. Nugget keeps well, retaining nearly 70% of its alpha acids after 6 months in storage at room temperature. The total oil content in Nugget ranges from 1.7 to 2.3 ml/100 g of dried cone weight, with myrcene averaging 54%, humulene 19.4%, and caryophyllene 8.9%. Nugget has an herbal, somewhat spicy aroma, but this is eclipsed by its bittering potential, and brewers rarely use it for aroma. The yield potential of Nugget is excellent, typically between 2,000 and 2,700 kg/ha (1,800 to 2,400 lb/acre). Nugget was actually ready for release into commercial cultivation in the late 1970s, but market forces at that time were aligned against superalpha hops. In 1981, however, a worldwide shortage of alpha acids finally provided the needed momentum for superalpha cultivars to successfully enter the market. It was then that another superalpha hop, Galena, was released as well, taking hold in Idaho. See also galena (hop) and idaho (southern hop region).