New Zealand hops are known around the world for their unique flavors and aromas. They have been used in international prizewinning beers and are the cornerstone hop in many popular brands.
Because the hops are so unique, specific New Zealand beer styles have developed that either call for New Zealand hops or are based on the qualities that they impart. This trend led to the Brewers Association adding two official New Zealand beer styles to its list in 2021:
Hops have been grown in New Zealand since the 1880s, primarily in the Nelson region at the top of the South Island. This area was found to have the perfect climate for growing hops. Today’s highly sought-after New Zealand hops varietals evolved from a breeding program established in the 1950s. Disease was crippling the cultivar imported from the US that was being grown at the time, so hop breeders went to work creating new resistant versions. After resolving the disease issue, they turned their attentions to creating seedless cultivars. Hop seeds can contribute up to 20% of the harvest weight, but they don’t provide any value in the brewing process.
Then came the challenge of competing with Europe and the US. As an island way off in the Pacific, costs in New Zealand were higher and their crop volumes lower. Growers abandoned their high alpha-acid bittering hops in favor of something unique that would entice the fast-growing craft brewing industry. And that became their golden ticket: completely unprecedented aroma-driven hop varietals.
The New Zealand hops breeding program focuses on developing aromatic hops evolving from traditional European noble hop cultivars. Today, there are 18 unique New Zealand hop varieties. Nelson Sauvin and Motueka are the most popular, making up 50% of the total New Zealand crop.
Launched in 2000, it went from meh to mega-hit practically overnight as people fell in love with its interesting aroma, a white wine, gooseberry fruitiness similar to Sauvignon Blanc. It works well as both an aroma and a bittering hop.
Has a distinctive, lively lime character, reminiscent of a Mojito. It’s frequently used in New Zealand Pilseners.
High essential oils and high alpha acids plus grapefruit, citrus, and kumquat characteristics make Riwaka a perfect dual-use hop for IPAs and Pale Ales.
This standout dual-purpose hop has excellent bittering qualities with the aroma of stone fruit, primarily apricot, and fig.
| Varietal | Alpha Acids (Range %) | Beta Acid (Range %) | COH (Range %) | % Total Oils (ml/100g) | Alpha/Beta Ratio | Usage | Aroma/Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motueka ™ T-90 Hop Pellets | 6.5 - 7.5 | 5 - 5.5 | N/A | 0.80 | N/A | Aroma | Fresh-crushed citrus “Mojito” lime character |
| Moutere™ T-90 Hop Pellets | 17.5 - 19.5 | 8 - 10 | N/A | 1.70 | N/A | Bittering | Tropical, grapefruit, passionfruit |
| Nelson Sauvin T-90 Hop Pellets | 12 - 13 | 6 - 8 | N/A | 1.10 | N/A | Aroma | Distinctive “New World” white wine characteristics |
| Pacific Jade™ T-90 Hop Pellets | 12 - 16 | 7 - 8 | N/A | 1.40 | N/A | Dual | Fresh citrus and complex spice |
| Pacifica™ T-90 Hop Pellets | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rakau T-90 Hop Pellets | 10 - 11 | 5 - 6 | N/A | 2.15 | N/A | Aroma | Stone fruit and fig |
| Riwaka™ T-90 Hop Pellets | 4.5 - 6.5 | 4 - 5 | N/A | 1.50 | N/A | Aroma | Tropical, passionfruit |
| Wai-iti™ T-90 Hop Pellets | 2.5 - 3.5 | 4.5 - 5.5 | 21 - 21 | 1.60 | N/A | Aroma | Fresh peaches and apricots |
| Wakatu™ T-90 Hop Pellets | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Aroma/Flavor | Aroma/Flavor |
|---|
Have questions about adding hops from South Africa to your recipes? Contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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