NuggetvsRakau

Nugget and Rakau are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 mL

United States

Rakau

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–12%

Beta acid

5–6%

Total oil

1.8–2.2 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Nugget

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Rakau

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Nugget

HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Only in Rakau

Stone fruitFigFruityApricotPineResin

Property

PropertyNuggetRakau
Alpha acid9.5–16%9–12%
Beta acid3–5.8%5–6%
Co-humulone22–30%23–25%
Total oil0.9–3.3 mL1.8–2.2 mL
Myrcene48–59%55–57%
Humulene12–22%16–17%
Caryophyllene7–10%5–6%
Farnesene0–1%4–5%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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