SambavsNelson Sauvin

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

Samba

Aroma

Alpha acid

8–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 mL

United States

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 Samba

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

When to pick Nelson Sauvin

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Samba

TropicalPineappleMangoStone fruitCandyOrange

Only in Nelson Sauvin

WhiteFruityGooseberryGrapesSauvignon

Property

PropertySambaNelson Sauvin
Alpha acid8–12%10–13%
Beta acid4–6%5–8%
Co-humulone28–32%20–25%
Total oil1.5–2.5 mL0.8–1.5 mL
Myrcene-20–45%
Humulene-25–37%
Caryophyllene-6–11%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

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