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Photographer: Helen H. Richardson/Denver Post via Getty Images Photographer: Helen H. Richardson/Denver Post via Getty Images

IPA lovers can raise a toast to news that there are more U.S. hops to quench the thirst of the booming craft-beer scene.

Growers in the world’s top producer just reaped another record crop, with output rising 5% to 112 million pounds (51,000 tons) this year, according to the annual National Hop Report. In just two decades, harvests in the three producing states of Washington, Idaho and Oregon almost doubled thanks to the growing popularity of the beverage.

Harvest Cheer U.S. hop production almost doubled in 20 years Source: USDA

North America led a revival in demand for craft beer in recent years, and Calypso, El Dorado, Nugget and Citra are just some of the varieties favored by brewers that require more hops than the light-beer types. While barley and yeast are what makes beers boozy, hops are behind the distinct flavors and aromas, and that very special bitterness.

Beer Thirst U.S. regional craft breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs Source: Brewers Association

The number of craft breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs has more than quadrupled in a decade to account for a quarter of total U.S. beer sales, according to the Brewers Association. The lobby group estimates that about 25 million barrels of craft beer are produced every year in the U.S.

Read More: U.S. Craft-Beer Market Competition Is Rising With More Entrants

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