RiwakavsSantiam

Riwaka and Santiam are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Riwaka

Aroma

Alpha acid

4.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–5%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Santiam

Aroma

Alpha acid

5–8.5%

Beta acid

5.3–8.5%

Total oil

1–2.2 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Riwaka

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Santiam

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Riwaka

TropicalPassion fruitGrapefruitCitrus

Only in Santiam

FloralSpicyBlack currant

Property

PropertyRiwakaSantiam
Alpha acid4.5–6.5%5–8.5%
Beta acid4–5%5.3–8.5%
Co-humulone29–38%18–24%
Total oil0.8–1.5 mL1–2.2 mL
Myrcene67–70%15–25%
Humulene8–10%20–30%
Caryophyllene2–6%6–9%
Farnesene0–1%14–18%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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