ArchervsNelson Sauvin

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

Archer

Aroma

Alpha acid

4–6%

Beta acid

2–3%

Total oil

0.6–0.8 mL

United Kingdom

Nelson Sauvin

Aroma

Alpha acid

10–13%

Beta acid

5–8%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Archer

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

When to pick Nelson Sauvin

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Archer

ApricotLimeFloralCitrusPeach

Only in Nelson Sauvin

WhiteFruityGooseberryGrapesSauvignon

Property

PropertyArcherNelson Sauvin
Alpha acid4–6%10–13%
Beta acid2–3%5–8%
Co-humulone32–38%20–25%
Total oil0.6–0.8 mL0.8–1.5 mL
Myrcene20–25%20–45%
Humulene26–30%25–37%
Caryophyllene-6–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited KingdomNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

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