Nelson SauvinvsAhtanum

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

Nelson Sauvin

Aroma

Alpha acid

10–13%

Beta acid

5–8%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Ahtanum

Aroma

Alpha acid

3.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–6.5%

Total oil

0.5–1.7 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Nelson Sauvin

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Ahtanum

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Nelson Sauvin

WhiteFruityGooseberryGrapesSauvignon

Only in Ahtanum

CitrusGrapefruitGeraniumPineEarthyFloralCedarLemon

Property

PropertyNelson SauvinAhtanum
Alpha acid10–13%3.5–6.5%
Beta acid5–8%4–6.5%
Co-humulone20–25%30–35%
Total oil0.8–1.5 mL0.5–1.7 mL
Myrcene20–45%45–55%
Humulene25–37%15–22%
Caryophyllene6–11%9–12%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

Related comparisons