Nelson SauvinvsPetit Blanc

Nelson Sauvin and Petit Blanc 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

Petit Blanc

Aroma

Alpha acid

2–4%

Beta acid

5–6%

Total oil

0.5–0.8 mL

France

Key differences

When to pick Nelson Sauvin

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Petit Blanc

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 Nelson Sauvin

WhiteFruityGooseberryGrapesSauvignon

Only in Petit Blanc

CherryMelonPapayaGreenLilac

Property

PropertyNelson SauvinPetit Blanc
Alpha acid10–13%2–4%
Beta acid5–8%5–6%
Co-humulone20–25%15%
Total oil0.8–1.5 mL0.5–0.8 mL
Myrcene20–45%-
Humulene25–37%-
Caryophyllene6–11%-
Farnesene0–1%-
OriginNew ZealandFrance
PurposeAromaAroma

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