Pacific GemvsTaiheke
Pacific Gem (bittering) and Taiheke (dual purpose) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.
Pacific Gem
Alpha acid
13–15%
Beta acid
7–9%
Total oil
0.8–1.6 mL
New Zealand
Taiheke
Alpha acid
5–9%
Beta acid
5–5.5%
Total oil
1–1.5 mL
New Zealand
Key differences
When to pick Pacific Gem
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
When to pick Taiheke
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Floral
Only in Pacific Gem
Black currantBerryBlackberryOakPine
Only in Taiheke
CitrusTropicalGrapefruitLemonLimeSpicy
Property
| Property | Pacific Gem | Taiheke |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 13–15% | 5–9% |
| Beta acid | 7–9% | 5–5.5% |
| Co-humulone | 35–40% | 33–40% |
| Total oil | 0.8–1.6 mL | 1–1.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–40% | 50–60% |
| Humulene | 20–30% | 10–20% |
| Caryophyllene | 6–12% | 5–10% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–5% |
| Origin | New Zealand | New Zealand |
| Purpose | Bittering | Dual purpose |
Belma