HersbruckervsNelson Sauvin

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

Hersbrucker

Aroma

Alpha acid

1.5–5%

Beta acid

2.5–6%

Total oil

0.5–1.3 mL

Germany

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 Hersbrucker

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
  • 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 Hersbrucker

NobleHayOrangeTobacco

Only in Nelson Sauvin

WhiteFruityGooseberryGrapesSauvignon

Property

PropertyHersbruckerNelson Sauvin
Alpha acid1.5–5%10–13%
Beta acid2.5–6%5–8%
Co-humulone17–25%20–25%
Total oil0.5–1.3 mL0.8–1.5 mL
Myrcene15–30%20–45%
Humulene20–30%25–37%
Caryophyllene8–13%6–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginGermanyNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

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