Balancing Act Hops LLC | Premium Craft Hops – West Branch, Michigan
Balancing Act Hops LLC logo – figure reaching for hop cone atop stacked stones

Premium Michigan
Craft Hops

Eight hand-grown varieties. No shortcuts. No pesticides.

West Branch, Michigan · Ogemaw County

Explore Varieties Contact Us
Balanced stone cairns on the Balancing Act Hops farm

About the Hopyard

Grown with passion
in Northern Michigan

Since 2012, my boutique hopyard in West Branch, Michigan has specialized in cultivating eight premium varieties on under half an acre. What started as a private supply for my own signature brews has grown into a trusted resource for fellow homebrewers, herbalists, and hobbyists across Michigan.

I believe in quality over speed, growing my operation mindfully and intentionally. After 30 years chasing the perfect pint, I planted my own beer garden and became obsessed with hop profiles - using high volumes of whole hop cones to drive deep aroma and flavor without harshness.

Because great beer starts in the soil, my yard is maintained using only OMRI-listed products, meeting EU MRL requirements for purity. No chemical pesticides, no shortcuts. Just clean, intense hops for the ultimate hop-forward experience.

Balancing Act Hops LLC has been MAEAP-verified for Farmstead and Cropping systems, with Forest, Wetlands, and Habitat Systems verification in progress, a testament to my commitment to environmental stewardship in Michigan agriculture.

2012
Established: over a decade of growing premium Michigan hops
8
Unique hop varieties grown on-site in West Branch, MI
100%
Pesticide-free. OMRI-listed products only, EU MRL compliant
🌿 MAEAP Verified: Farmstead & Cropping Systems Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program · Michigan MDARD
Mike Murto in the hopyard at Balancing Act Hops
Mike Murto in the hopyard — West Branch, Michigan
Hop bines climbing tall trellises at Balancing Act Hops farm, barn visible at dusk

Hop Education

From Vine to Bine

Most people call them hop"vines" — but there's an important botanical distinction that every hop grower and brewer should know. Hops grow on bines, not vines, and the difference matters more than you might think.

🌿 What is a Bine?

A bine climbs by wrapping its main stem around a support structure using stiff hairs (trichomes) that grip as it spirals upward. The plant uses the stem itself to climb — no specialized attachment organs needed.

  • Climbs by wrapping its stem clockwise (in the Northern Hemisphere)
  • Uses stiff downward-pointing hairs for grip
  • Examples: hops, honeysuckle, morning glory
  • Hop bines can grow 15–25 feet in a single season

🍃 What is a Vine?

A vine climbs using specialized structures like tendrils, suckers, or adhesive pads that reach out and attach to a support. The stem itself doesn't do the climbing — it's carried along by these attachment organs.

  • Climbs using tendrils, suckers, or adhesive pads
  • Attachment organs grip the support structure
  • Examples: grapes, ivy, cucumber, peas
  • Vines often need less training than bines
Why it matters for brewers: Hop bines grow aggressively upward and need tall trellis systems (often 18–20 feet) to reach their full potential. At Balancing Act Hops, we train our bines up hand-set strings each spring, a process that connects us directly to the plant's natural growth habits. This hands-on approach means we notice stress, disease, and ripeness earlier — and ultimately produce better hops for your brew.

The Case for Hops

Why hops?

Beyond the bitter — hops are one of brewing's most complex and fascinating ingredients, with a rich history and a surprising range of benefits both in and out of the glass.

🍺

Flavor & Aroma

Hops provide the essential bitterness that balances malt sweetness, plus a stunning range of aromas — from citrus and pine to tropical fruit, earth, and spice — depending on variety and timing.

🛡️

Natural Preservative

Hops have natural antimicrobial properties that inhibit spoilage bacteria. This is why beer has historically traveled so well — the hop-forward IPA style was literally born from the need to preserve beer on long ocean voyages.

💤

Relaxation & Sleep

Hop cones contain compounds like myrcene and linalool that have mild sedative and relaxing properties. Hop pillows have been used for centuries as a folk remedy for sleep and anxiety relief.

🌱

Herbalism & Health

Hops have been used in traditional herbalism for digestive support, inflammation reduction, and as a nervine. The female cones contain phytoestrogens and antioxidants that continue to be studied for health benefits.

🧪

Brewing Chemistry

Alpha acids in hops isomerize during the boil to create bitterness (IBUs). Beta acids and essential oils contribute to aroma and dry-hop character. Understanding variety-specific chemistry lets brewers craft precision flavor profiles.

🌍

Local & Terroir

Like wine grapes, hops express terroir — the unique character of their growing location. Michigan-grown hops carry the flavor of Ogemaw County soil, climate, and care. Fresh, local hops are measurably different from commodity imports.

Walking between rows of hop bines loaded with cones at Balancing Act Hops, West Branch Michigan

Hop Varieties

Eight Michigan-grown
varieties

From classic American ales to noble lager styles, my hand-picked selection covers dual-purpose and bittering hops for every craft brew. All available as dried whole cones, vacuum-packed in West Branch, Michigan.

Bullion

Dual Purpose

Strong, zesty blackcurrant characteristics with a spicy backbone. Suitable for all hop additions throughout the brewing process.

#blackcurrant #spicy
Pairing & Beer Styles
[ Mike will provide pairing notes & recommended styles ]

Cascade

Dual Purpose

The hop that defined American Pale Ale. Iconic grapefruit, floral, and citrus notes. One of the most recognized craft brewing hops in the world.

#grapefruit #citrus #floral #pine
Pairing & Beer Styles
[ Mike will provide pairing notes & recommended styles ]

Centennial

Dual Purpose

Rounded and medium-intense floral, citrus, and grapefruit flavors. Notes of pine needles and tangerine. A favorite among IPA brewers.

#pine #citrus #grapefruit #tangerine
Pairing & Beer Styles
[ Mike will provide pairing notes & recommended styles ]

Columbia

Dual Purpose

Crisp pineapple and bright, pungent lemon-citrus notes. Similar to Chinook in character but with a lighter, cleaner finish.

#pineapple #lemon #citrus #noble
Pairing & Beer Styles
[ Mike will provide pairing notes & recommended styles ]

Kirin II

Dual Purpose

Extremely aromatic with intense citrus notes. Popular in Brazil and widely used in Japanese-style dry lagers. Floral, spicy, and herbal layers.

#floral #citrus #spicy #herbal
Pairing & Beer Styles
[ Mike will provide pairing notes & recommended styles ]

Liberty

Bittering

A noble-style bittering hop. Delicate floral bouquet with spice and subtle citrus. Ideal for traditional lagers, pilsners, and continental-style ales.

#noble #floral #herbal #delicate
Pairing & Beer Styles
[ Mike will provide pairing notes & recommended styles ]

Newport

Bittering

Earth, citrus, wine, and balsamic aroma descriptors. A high-alpha bittering hop delivering clean bitterness without overwhelming the flavor profile.

#wine #balsamic #citrus #earthy
Pairing & Beer Styles
[ Mike will provide pairing notes & recommended styles ]

Nugget

Dual Purpose

Mild, pleasant, and herbal aroma notes with an unexpected tropical complexity. Ginger, pineapple, lychee, and coconut make this hop a versatile brewer's tool.

#herbal #ginger #pineapple #lychee
Pairing & Beer Styles
[ Mike will provide pairing notes & recommended styles ]

Pricing

Simple, transparent
farm pricing

🌿

Dried & Packaged

$1.00
per ounce

Whole cone hops dried to 8–10% moisture and vacuum-packed. Available in 0.5 lb and 1 lb packages. Perfect for homebrewers.

Best Value
📦

Bulk Dried (10+ lb)

$12
per pound

Discounted bulk pricing for orders over 10 lbs. Ideal for small breweries and serious homebrewing clubs in Michigan.

🌱

Whole Vines

$10
per vine

Fresh, whole hop vines delivered at harvest. Perfect for wet-hop harvest ales. Can be at your Michigan brewery the same day as harvest.

Contact us for current inventory, custom grow requests, and u-pick scheduling during harvest season.

How to Order

Getting your Michigan hops
is easy

1

Check Facebook Marketplace

Find current listings on our Facebook page. We post seasonal availability including fresh harvest hops and vacuum-packed varieties.

2

Message Us Directly

DM us on Facebook Messenger for quick inquiries about inventory, variety availability, and bulk pricing.

3

Email or Call

Reach Michael directly at otrumhops@gmail.com or (248) 761-4214 to request an inventory list or discuss custom orders and harvest-day delivery.

4

Visit at Harvest

Schedule a u-pick event or club visit during harvest season. I welcome homebrewing clubs, local brewers, and hop enthusiasts to experience the hopyard in West Branch, Michigan firsthand.

On the Horizon

What's Up Next

New · Experimental
💜

Lavender

We're starting experimental plots of lavender at the farm. Stay tuned for updates as we explore how this aromatic plant grows on our Ogemaw County land — and what new possibilities it might open up for craft brewing and herbalism.

New · Experimental
🫐

American Elderberries

American elderberries are being added to our experimental plots. Rich in antioxidants and brewing potential, elderberries have a long history in traditional beverages. We're excited to explore this addition to the farm.

New · Expanding
🍁

Maple Syrup

We tapped our first tree this year and were pleasantly surprised by the results. Now we're prepping for next year's syrup season and will tap as many trees as we can handle. Michigan maple — straight from the farm.

In Progress
🌿

MAEAP Verification

We've completed MAEAP verification for our Cropping and Farmstead systems. Now we're working toward certification of our Forest, Wetland, and Habitat systems.

Cropping Systems — Verified
Farmstead Systems — Verified
Forest, Wetland & Habitat — In Progress
Coming Soon
🛒

Online Ordering

We're building out an online shop so you can browse current inventory, select your varieties, and place orders directly from our website. Until then, reach out via email or phone to arrange your order.

→ Email to pre-order

Resources & Inspiration

BAH's References

The practices and philosophies that guide how we grow — a short collection of resources and projects that inform our approach to soil health, fermentation, and design.

♻️

Bokashi Composting

Bokashi is a fermentation-based composting method originating in Japan that breaks down food waste — including meat and dairy — into a nutrient-rich soil amendment using beneficial microorganisms. At BAH, we use bokashi as part of our commitment to closed-loop soil health without chemical inputs.

Learn More →
🌿

Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ)

Fermented Plant Juice is a Korean Natural Farming input made from young, rapidly growing plant material fermented with raw sugar. FPJ delivers growth hormones, enzymes, and nutrients directly to plants and soil microbiome. A key part of our low-input, high-biology growing approach.

Learn More →
✏️

Otrum Designs

Creative design and visual work by Megan Otrum. From branding to illustration, Otrum Designs is the creative voice behind Balancing Act Hops' visual identity.

Visit Otrum Designs →

Link coming soon

Find Us

Visit the Hopyard

Balancing Act Hops LLC

📍
Farm Address 3298 Maes Road
West Branch, MI 48661
Ogemaw County, Northern Michigan
📞
Phone (248) 761-4214
✉️
Email otrumhops@gmail.com
🕐
Visits By appointment — please contact us to schedule a farm visit, u-pick, or club event.

Contact

Let's talk
hops

📍
Farm Location 3298 Maes Road, West Branch, MI 48661
Ogemaw County, Northern Michigan
📞
Phone (248) 761-4214
✉️
Email - Hops otrumhops@gmail.com
✉️
Email - General michael.w.murto@gmail.com
📘
Facebook Balancing Act Hops & Otrum Brewing

What I can do for you

Whether you're a Michigan homebrewer looking for a few ounces of premium whole-cone hops, or a craft brewery seeking a local Michigan supplier for harvest-day wet hops, I'd love to hear from you.

  • Request a current inventory list
  • Order vacuum-packed whole hop cones
  • Arrange same-day wet hop delivery at harvest
  • Schedule a u-pick or homebrewing club event
  • Commission a custom grow for your specific variety needs
  • Discuss bulk pricing for Michigan breweries (10+ lb)
Hop bines growing tall on the trellis at Balancing Act Hops farm
The hopyard — West Branch, Michigan

Powered by
►
Necessary cookies enable essential site features like secure log-ins and consent preference adjustments. They do not store personal data.
None
►
Functional cookies support features like content sharing on social media, collecting feedback, and enabling third-party tools.
None
►
Analytical cookies track visitor interactions, providing insights on metrics like visitor count, bounce rate, and traffic sources.
None
►
Advertisement cookies deliver personalized ads based on your previous visits and analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns.
None
Powered by