Pacific SunrisevsNelson Sauvin

Pacific Sunrise (bittering) and Nelson Sauvin (aroma) serve different purposes. Comparing acids, aromas and character helps pick the right hop.

Pacific Sunrise

Bittering

Alpha acid

12.5–14.5%

Beta acid

5–7%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 mL

New Zealand

Nelson Sauvin

Aroma

Alpha acid

10–13%

Beta acid

5–8%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Pacific Sunrise

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Bittering workhorse - efficient in the mash
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Nelson Sauvin

  • Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Pacific Sunrise

WoodyPineLemonOrangeMangoMelonFloral

Only in Nelson Sauvin

WhiteFruityGooseberryGrapesSauvignon

Property

PropertyPacific SunriseNelson Sauvin
Alpha acid12.5–14.5%10–13%
Beta acid5–7%5–8%
Co-humulone27–30%20–25%
Total oil1.5–2.5 mL0.8–1.5 mL
Myrcene45–55%20–45%
Humulene20–24%25–37%
Caryophyllene6–8%6–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandNew Zealand
PurposeBitteringAroma

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