Northern Brewer was originally developed in England in 1934 but is now largely grown in Germany. German-grown Northern Brewer is considered identical to the original UK-bred variety though subtle differences attributable to the different growing region may be evident.

Northern Brewer is also grown in notable quantity in the US though this variety is now genetically distinct from the original. In brewing, it is useful as both a bittering and aroma hop but is used predominantly as an early addition by commercial brewers in Germany.