New Locally Grown Hop Variety CV-12 Hits the Market with Midwest Roots and Climate Resilience

Written from press release:

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — June 1, 2025 — A new hop variety bred for the Midwest’s climate and craft brewing scene is now available for purchase, as Bloomington-based startup CV Hops LLC officially launches its patented CV-12 hop, developed to thrive in high heat and drought conditions.

The launch is a collaborative effort involving Hanley Hops LLC, Sandy Ridge Farms, and Michigan State University, all working to bring a locally grown, climate-adapted hop to Indiana brewers and beyond.

Hanley Hops LLC, an Indianapolis-based, family-owned grower, is the first to commercially cultivate the variety. The company grows, harvests, and processes hops with a mission to support Indiana’s craft beverage industry using high-quality, locally grown ingredients.

Sandy Ridge Farms is serving as the distributor for the new hop, which is described as an aromatic finishing hop with a bold and distinctive flavor profile. According to the farm’s product listing, CV-12 produces large, loose cones and imparts citrus, spicy, and piney notes, making it ideal for craft brewers seeking a standout character. The hop was developed from CVCTM, a native Midwest hop owned by CV Hops LLC.

“CV-12’s combination of unique aroma, native genetics, and resistance to extreme weather makes it especially suited for the rapidly changing climate of the Midwest,” said Travis Wade, co-founder of CV Hops LLC alongside Mike Baker. The two founded the company in 2019 with a vision to create a hop variety that could withstand both heat waves and low rainfall.

The CV-12 hop is currently under scientific study by Michigan State University, where researchers are analyzing its genetics and disease resistance. The work is being led by Dr. Tim Miles of the Miles Lab through MSU’s Small Fruit & Hop Pathology Program, with support from Dr. Rob Sirrine of MSU Extension. The study aims to better understand how CV-12 resists fungal and viral pathogens common in hop production.

Because CV-12 is a patented variety, purchase requires a signed Material Transfer Agreement, which helps protect the hop’s proprietary genetics.

For more information about the hop or to inquire about availability, visit:

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