SterlingvsRiwaka

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

Sterling

Aroma

Alpha acid

5.5–8.5%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1–2 mL

United States

Riwaka

Aroma

Alpha acid

4.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–5%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Sterling

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

When to pick Riwaka

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Sterling

NobleHerbalSpicyFloral

Only in Riwaka

TropicalPassion fruitGrapefruitCitrus

Property

PropertySterlingRiwaka
Alpha acid5.5–8.5%4.5–6.5%
Beta acid4–6%4–5%
Co-humulone22–28%29–38%
Total oil1–2 mL0.8–1.5 mL
Myrcene35–45%67–70%
Humulene16–18%8–10%
Caryophyllene5–8%2–6%
Farnesene15–19%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

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