Nelson Sauvin^™ Hops

Nelson Sauvin^™ is a legendary powerhouse of the southern hemisphere, representing a radical departure from traditional hop aromatics. Released in 2000 by New Zealand’s Plant & Food Research (Riwaka Research Centre), this triploid variety was bred from New Zealand Smoothcone and a select New Zealand male. Engineered to bridge the gap between fine wine and craft brewing, it thrives in the fertile soils of the Nelson region. Nelson Sauvin^™ is a high-alpha, high-oil variety that offers brewers a potent and unmistakable personality, serving as a cornerstone ingredient for those seeking to produce world-class, aromatic-driven ales and lagers.

The sensory profile of Nelson Sauvin^™ is an extraordinary and sophisticated arrangement of crushed white grapes and exotic tropical fruit. It leads with a primary, "vinous" bouquet of gooseberry, passionfruit, and fresh-cut Sauvignon Blanc grapes, followed by a secondary layer of grapefruit zest, crushed pine needles, and a subtle "dank" resinous depth. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant mineral quality and a hint of lychee that remains bright and substantial on the palate. Thanks to its remarkably low cohumulone levels and balanced oil composition, it delivers a smooth, refined bitterness and a saturated, wine-like finish—the definitive choice for "New World" elegance.