Nelson SauvinvsSterling

Nelson Sauvin and Sterling 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

Sterling

Aroma

Alpha acid

5.5–8.5%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1–2 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 Sterling

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • 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 Sterling

NobleHerbalSpicyFloral

Property

PropertyNelson SauvinSterling
Alpha acid10–13%5.5–8.5%
Beta acid5–8%4–6%
Co-humulone20–25%22–28%
Total oil0.8–1.5 mL1–2 mL
Myrcene20–45%35–45%
Humulene25–37%16–18%
Caryophyllene6–11%5–8%
Farnesene0–1%15–19%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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