Strata is an American-bred, dual-purpose hop variety released commercially in 2018. Developed at Oregon State University and later refined by Indie Hops, Strata originates from an open-pollinated Perle plant with notable traits including vigorous growth, mildew resistance, and captivating aromatic qualities.

The typical harvest season for Strata in the U.S. falls in mid-to-late August.

Strata performs exceptionally well throughout the brewing process—from early bittering to late additions and dry hopping. It is prized for its complex aroma profile, which features bright tropical fruit notes such as passionfruit, mango, and melon, complemented by fresh berry (strawberry) and citrus (grapefruit) characteristics. A distinct yet clean dank or cannabis-like note adds further intrigue, without the harsh off-flavors sometimes associated with similar hops. Subtle layers of sage, bubblegum, dried chili, and resin round out its multifaceted flavor.

With an alpha acid range of approximately 11 to 12.5%, moderate beta acids, and a clean bitterness profile, Strata is rich in essential oils including myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene.

This hop is especially popular in IPAs, New England IPAs, and Pale Ales, but also performs well in lagers and saisons due to its clean, fruit-forward, yet nuanced character. Dry hopping intensifies its grapefruit and dank aromas, while late boil additions highlight its tropical fruit notes.

When Strata is unavailable, hops such as Galaxy and Mosaic are commonly used as substitutes, offering similarly vibrant tropical and berry-forward profiles.