Brulotte Farms is one of over a dozen grower-owners who make up Yakima Chief Hops, one of the world’s premier hop suppliers. The Brulotte family has farmed hops for six generations. Today, Yakima Chief Hops announced that Brulotte Farms is closing its doors after 81 years. The family farm is located in Toppenish, just outside of Yakima.
“Yakima Chief Hops expresses our heartfelt gratitude to Reggie Brulotte for her commitment and passion for growing quality hops for brewers worldwide,” said a press release from Yakima Chief Hops. “Reggie has been an industry leader throughout her career and continues to be dedicated to the hop industry. Her contributions have had a tremendous positive impact on both the hop and beer industry… Brulotte Farms will always be remembered with great reverence for the meaningful contributions made to the hop and beer industries.”
“As Brulotte Farms transitions its operation, we thank Reggie for her years of leadership and stewardship as a Yakima Chief Hops grower-owner and wish her and the entire Brulotte team the best in their future endeavors,” the statement said.
If you’ve ever visited the Icicle Brewing taproom in Leavenworth, you might have noticed the historic photos that adorn the walls. Oliver Brulotte, one of the owners and founders of Icicle Brewing, is part of the family, as his name suggests. Those photos are pieces of history from the family farm.
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Ending a six-generation run as hop farmers was a difficult decision for Reggie Brulotte and her staff. All agriculture producers are currently facing challenges and rising costs, and the hop industry in particular is in the midst of a strained supply market. In a previous story, we discussed some of the recent challenges facing the hop industry.
Reggie Brulotte’s involvement in the hop-growing industry is long and illustrious. She served on the Washington Hop Commission for over 20 years, acting as Chairperson more than once. She is also a past president of the Hop Research Council. Reggie has served on several other industry boards, including the Certified Rootstock Committee, the US Hop Plant Protection Committee, and the Washington Hop Technology Grant Committee.
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For decades, she and her father, Ron Brulotte, were leaders in providing “hands-on” hop research for new and developing hop varieties. Reggie received the First Degree of the International Order of the Hop in 2011 for her commitment to the hop industry.
“As a Yakima Chief Hops Board of Directors committee member, Reggie has judiciously served our organization in alignment with the company mission, vision and values. Our hop industry, and subsequently the beer industry is better today thanks to Reggie’s pursuit of hop quality excellence and innovation.”
In addition to her extensive involvement on committees and associations, Reggie is also the hop breeder of the Bru-1™ variety, known for its pronounced pineapple profile. Crop Year 2024 Bru-1 will continue to be available to brewers through Yakima Chief Hops, and Reggie Brulotte will maintain ownership of plant genetics, which will be preserved for future growing opportunities.
“Reggie Brulotte has been an engaged grower with brewery customers, hosting Hop & Brew School tours, participating in Pink Boots Blend selection events, and welcoming visitors to the farm during the harvest season,” said the press release. “Their involvement and hospitality as a farm will be missed by YCH employees and customers.”
