RiwakavsSterling

Riwaka and Sterling 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

Sterling

Aroma

Alpha acid

5.5–8.5%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1–2 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Riwaka

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Sterling

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Riwaka

TropicalPassion fruitGrapefruitCitrus

Only in Sterling

NobleHerbalSpicyFloral

Property

PropertyRiwakaSterling
Alpha acid4.5–6.5%5.5–8.5%
Beta acid4–5%4–6%
Co-humulone29–38%22–28%
Total oil0.8–1.5 mL1–2 mL
Myrcene67–70%35–45%
Humulene8–10%16–18%
Caryophyllene2–6%5–8%
Farnesene0–1%15–19%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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