RakauvsNugget

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

Rakau

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–12%

Beta acid

5–6%

Total oil

1.8–2.2 mL

New Zealand

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Rakau

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

When to pick Nugget

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Rakau

Stone fruitFigFruityApricotPineResin

Only in Nugget

HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Property

PropertyRakauNugget
Alpha acid9–12%9.5–16%
Beta acid5–6%3–5.8%
Co-humulone23–25%22–30%
Total oil1.8–2.2 mL0.9–3.3 mL
Myrcene55–57%48–59%
Humulene16–17%12–22%
Caryophyllene5–6%7–10%
Farnesene4–5%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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