Reggie Brulotte
Bio
Reggie Brulotte is a sixth-generation hop grower and one of the most influential female leaders in the global hop and brewing industry. For over three decades, she has blended heritage, innovation, and leadership to help shape the future of hops for growers, suppliers, hemp industry and brewers worldwide.
​Raised in Toppenish, Washington, Reggie continued her family’s 140-year legacy at Brulotte Farms, one of the founding grower-owners of Yakima Chief Hops (YCH). Under her stewardship, the farm became not only a cornerstone of the Yakima Valley hop community but also a respected partner for breweries across the globe.
Reggie’s leadership extends far beyond the farm. She served on the Washington Hop Commission for more than 20 years, including multiple terms as Chairperson, and is a past President of the Hop Research Council. She has contributed to several industry boards and committees, including the National Clean Plant Hop Network, Certified Rootstock Committee, the U.S. Hop Plant Protection Committee, and the Washington Hop Technology Grant Committee. Her decades of involvement have consistently advanced research, sustainability, and innovation in hop production.
Her impact is not only administrative but deeply scientific and creative. In the industry, she championed hands-on hop research, pioneering trials for emerging hop varieties and working directly with brewers to align agricultural practices with sensory outcomes. Reggie is the breeder of the Bru-1™ hop variety, prized for its distinct pineapple-forward flavor profile, which has become a favorite in fruit-forward IPAs and other modern beer styles.
In recognition of her lifelong dedication, Reggie received the First Degree of the International Order of the Hop in 2011, one of the industry’s highest international honors in the world, that was founded by John the Fearless 1406.
As a consultant, Reggie draws on this deep well of experience — from governance and research to grower relations and brewer engagement — to help businesses navigate today’s challenges. She specializes in hop quality programs, supply chain strategy, R&D; commercialization, and executive advisory. Known for her approachable style and practical insights, Reggie has also inspired countless industry professionals through her participation in Hop & Brew School, Pink Boots Blend selections, and on-farm tours that have welcomed brewers and students alike.
Today, as she transitions from farming into consulting, Reggie remains committed to advancing the hop and beer industries. Her career embodies the balance of tradition and innovation — honoring six generations of farming while paving new pathways for the next era of hop excellence.
