AltusvsRiwaka

Altus and Riwaka are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Altus

Aroma

Alpha acid

15–18.5%

Beta acid

4–5.2%

Total oil

3–4.4 mL

United States

Riwaka

Aroma

Alpha acid

4.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–5%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Altus

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

When to pick Riwaka

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Altus

ResinSpicyTangerine

Only in Riwaka

TropicalPassion fruitGrapefruitCitrus

Property

PropertyAltusRiwaka
Alpha acid15–18.5%4.5–6.5%
Beta acid4–5.2%4–5%
Co-humulone26–29%29–38%
Total oil3–4.4 mL0.8–1.5 mL
Myrcene-67–70%
Humulene-8–10%
Caryophyllene-2–6%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

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