Pacific GemvsSouthern Tropic
Pacific Gem and Southern Tropic are popular bittering hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Pacific Gem
Alpha acid
13–15%
Beta acid
7–9%
Total oil
0.8–1.6 mL
New Zealand
Southern Tropic
Alpha acid
12.6–18.1%
Beta acid
5–6.5%
Total oil
-
South Africa
Key differences
When to pick Pacific Gem
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
When to pick Southern Tropic
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Pacific Gem
Black currantBerryBlackberryFloralOakPine
Only in Southern Tropic
MelonTroicalGuavaButterscotchLemongrassCoconutPungentPineappleBubblegumCitrus
Property
| Property | Pacific Gem | Southern Tropic |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13–15% | 12.6–18.1% |
| Beta acid | 7–9% | 5–6.5% |
| Co-humulone | 35–40% | 26–30% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.6 mL | - |
| Myrcene | 30–40% | 19–46% |
| Humulene | 20–30% | 14–40% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–12% | 6–14% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 8–11% |
| Origin | New Zealand | South Africa |
| Purpose | Bittering | Bittering |
Belma