Nelson SauvinvsRiwaka

Nelson Sauvin and Riwaka 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

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 Nelson Sauvin

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

When to pick Riwaka

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Nelson Sauvin

WhiteFruityGooseberryGrapesSauvignon

Only in Riwaka

TropicalPassion fruitGrapefruitCitrus

Property

PropertyNelson SauvinRiwaka
Alpha acid10–13%4.5–6.5%
Beta acid5–8%4–5%
Co-humulone20–25%29–38%
Total oil0.8–1.5 mL0.8–1.5 mL
Myrcene20–45%67–70%
Humulene25–37%8–10%
Caryophyllene6–11%2–6%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

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