The Complete Guide to All Southern Hemisphere Hop Varieties

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Hop Products Australia’s newest proprietary hop imparts fruit-forward flavors of sweet mandarin, citrus peel, and fresh pine needles. (HPA)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 15.7-18.7%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Sweet mandarin, zesty citrus peel, fresh pine needles

Best Beer Styles: IPA, NEIPA

Substitutions: NA

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Previously named Stella, Ella™ is the little sister of the Australian superstar Galaxy®. Ella™ and Galaxy® share the same mother, but Ella's father is a variety from Spalt, Germany. This parentage gives Ella™ a pleasant floral aroma that is backed by soft spice. These qualities work best in lagers and pilsners, but Ella™ can be incorporated into Pale Ales and IPA during dry hopping. This will preserve some of the lighter oils that are more fruity and tropical like in Galaxy®. (Yakima Valley Hops)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 13.4-19.2%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Floral, spice, grapefruit, tropical

Best Beer Styles: Lager, pilsner, pale ale, stout

Substitutions: Perle, Palisade

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Enigma® is a new, exciting hop bred and released by the Hop Products Australia program of the Barth-Haas Group. It is a cross between Tettnanger and an unnamed North American variety but displays in a wholly unique manner. It is juicy with red fruits like raspberries and red currants, but what sets it apart from other varieties are the white wine notes (similar to Nelson Sauvin), that is most often described as crisp and refreshing "Pinot Gris." (Yakima Valley Hops)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 16.7-19.4%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: White grape, raspberry, red currant, rockmelon

Best Beer Styles: IPA, pale ale

Substitutions: Nelson Sauvin, Hallertau Blanc

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Galaxy® hops are currently one of the most sought-after hop varieties in the world. Galaxy® hops are prized for their big aromas of peach, guava, and oranges. Galaxy® hops are perfect in hazy IPAs and work well with the usual suspects of Citra® and Mosaic®. (Yakima Valley Hops)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 13-18.5%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Passion fruit, peach, citrus

Best Beer Styles: Pale ale, IPA, ESB

Substitutions: Citra®, Amarillo®, Centennial

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Bred in 1986 and formerly known as Southern Hallertau, Helga™ is a descendant of Hallertau Mittelfrüh. Its brewing characteristics resemble that of its parent; however, it demonstrates a forgiving and refined character in a variety of beer styles and hop applications. (YCH)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 5.4-7.3%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Noble characteristics, herbal, earthy

Best Beer Styles: Ales

Substitutions: Hallertau

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Developed at the Hüll Research Center, Opal exhibits excellent aroma characteristics combined with a respectable alpha acid level. (YCH)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 13-14%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Spice, pepper, citrus, with fruity, floral and herbal characteristics

Best Beer Styles: Pilsner, hefeweizen, helles, lager, brown ale, saison, tripel, wheat, kölsch, blonde ale

Substitutions: East Kent Golding, Styrian Golding

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Pride of Ringwood imparts bitterness but also exhibits a hint of fruit and spice when used as a late addition. (HPA)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 9.5-10.5%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Bittering resin with fruit and spice

Best Beer Styles: Amber ale, lager, fruit lambic, pale ale, Australian lager, strong ale, golden ale, American pale ale

Substitutions: East Kent Golding, Centennial, Galena, Cluster

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Bred in 1997 at Tasmanian Bushy Park Breeding Garden, Summer is the result of open pollination of a tetraploid Czech Saaz. It features balanced citrus and stone fruit flavors but showcases distinct apricot and melon characteristics in dry hopping applications. (YCH)

Type: Aroma

Alpha Acid Range: 5.6-6.4%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Apricot, melon

Best Beer Styles: NA

Substitutions: Palisade, Saaz (US)

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Bred in 1987 at the Rostrevor Breeding Garden in Victoria and released in 1995, Super Pride is a daughter of Pride of Ringwood. It is predominantly used as a bittering hop but offers a subtle resin and fruit characteristic as well. (YCH)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 12.3-16.9%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Mild and pleasant subtle resin and fruit tones

Best Beer Styles: Imperial pale ale, lager

Substitutions: Pride of Ringwood

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Bred in 1997 at Tasmanian Bushy Park Breeding Garden, Sylva is a result of open pollination of Czech Saaz. Brewing characteristics closely resemble that of its parent, with complex yet subtle floral and herbal characteristics. (YCH)

Type: Aroma

Alpha Acid Range: 4.6-7%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Floral, herbal, and noble characteristics

Best Beer Styles: Pilsner, lager, California common, pale ale

Substitutions: Hallertau Mittlefrüh, Helga, Saaz

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Topaz™ imparts resinous, grassy flavours when added early, or lychee and light tropical fruit flavours when added late in larger doses. (HPA)

Type: Bittering

Alpha Acid Range: 16-20.1%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Lychee, tropical fruit

Best Beer Styles: Amber ale, APA, IPA, session ale

Substitutions: Galaxy, Citra, Cascada, Riwaka, Rakau, Amarillo

Country of Origin: Australia

Description: Vic Secret™ imparts a clean pineapple flavour with subtle notes of pine and herbs, best accessed by dry hopping or whirlpool addition. Late kettle addition imparts pleasant earthy flavours without the fruit. (HPA)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 15.1-21.8%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Pineapple, pine, herbs

Best Beer Styles: IPA, pale ale, porter, stout

Substitutions: Galaxy

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: This triploid variety was first released in 1976 by the New Zealand Horticultural Research Center but was renamed in 2012 to honor the breeder who is largely considered the father of New Zealand's hop program. Dr. Rudi is the result of a Smoothcone mother and open pollination that displays bright aromas of pine, lime pith, and lemongrass. (Yakima Valley Hops)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 10-12%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Citrus, woody aromatic, green-grassy, resin, pine, lemongrass

Best Beer Styles: Lager, IPA

Substitutions: Green Bullet

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Released in 1972 from the New Zealand DSIR (now New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research), Green Bullet is a triploid alpha variety bred by open pollination of the New Zealand Smoothcone variety. It is traditionally considered a bittering variety for lagers, but also carries a spicy characteristic typical of Slovenian hop varieties. (YCH)

Type: Bittering

Alpha Acid Range: 12-14%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Floral, resinous, spicy, dried fruit

Best Beer Styles: Bock, saison, IPA

Substitutions: Liberty, Hallertau, Crystal, Mount Hood, Ultra

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research hop breeding program and released in 2011, Kohatu is a descendant of Hallertauer Mittlefruher. It works well in single-hop applications and is described as having intense fruit characteristics. (YCH)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 6-7%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Berry, floral, passion fruit, tropical

Best Beer Styles: Ale, pale ale, IPA

Substitutions: Wai-iti, Motueka

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research hop breeding program and released in 1996, Motueka is a cross between a New Zealand breeding selection and Saaz. It offers a unique aroma and flavor profile suitable for producing big beer styles. Motueka performs well when used in multiple additions from a single hop bill. (YCH)

Type: Aroma

Alpha Acid Range: 6.5-7.5%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Crushed fresh citrus, mojito lime, lively lemon and lime

Best Beer Styles: European ale, English ale, dark lager, pilsner, Belgian ales, lager, maibock, ales

Substitutions: Saaz, Sterling

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Nectaron hops are a New Zealand variety that went by the number HORT 4337. Necatron® is a full sister of Waimea and was developed in partnership with New Zealand's Plant & Food Research and took over 17 years before the full release. Necatron® has a huge aroma of passion fruit, peach, grapefruit, and pineapple. It is perfect for any fruit-forward beer and performs really well when used in dry hopping. (Yakima Valley Hops)

Type: Aroma

Alpha Acid Range: 10-12%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Passion fruit, grapefruit, pineapple, peach

Best Beer Styles: IPA, NEIPA

Substitutions: Waimea, Citra, Mosaic

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research hop breeding program and released in 2000, Nelson Sauvin is a triploid variety bred from the New Zealand Smoothcone and a selected New Zealand male. It is known for being one of the most unique hop varieties, displaying strong fruit and white wine aroma characteristics. (YCH)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 10-13%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Citrus, tropical, white wine, crushed gooseberry, grape

Best Beer Styles: APA, IPA, pale ale

Substitutions: Pacific Jade, Pacifica

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research hop breeding program and released in 2002, Pacific Jade is a cross of New Zealand First Choice (a relative of the Late Cluster) and a Saaz male. It is suited for use as a bittering hop but also delivers bold citrus and spice aroma characteristics. (YCH)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 12-15%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Black pepper, citrus, spicy

Best Beer Styles: Lager, ale, pale ale, IPA

Substitutions: Hallertau, Magnum

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research hop breeding program and released in 1994, NZ Southern Cross is a triploid cross between New Zealand Smoothcone and a 1950s research variety bred from a crossing of Californian and English Fuggle. It has excellent essential oils and low cohumulone, delivering a delicate balance of citrus and spice when added at the end of boil. (YCH)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 11-14%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Citrus, tropical fruits, hints of lemon zest, lime, pine, spice

Best Beer Styles: Pale ale, IPA, lager

Substitutions: Sorachi Ace

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research hop breeding program and released in 1987, Pacific Gem is a triploid alpha variety from New Zealand Smoothcone crossed with Californian Late Cluster and Fuggle. It is typically used as a first hop addition for bittering purposes but is known for showcasing wood and blackberry flavors. (YCH)

Type: Bittering

Alpha Acid Range: 13-15%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Berry, spicy, woody

Best Beer Styles: Strong ale, European lagers

Substitutions: Fuggle

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research hop breeding program and released in 1993, Pacifica was bred through open pollination of Hallertauer Mittelfrüher. It displays classic Hallertau citrus and floral aroma characters but brings a blend of new- and old-world taste descriptors to the brewers’ forum. (YCH)

Type: Aroma

Alpha Acid Range: 3-6%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Citrus, floral, orange, orange zest marmalade

Best Beer Styles: Porter

Substitutions: Liberty

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Released in 2000 by HortResearch in New Zealand, Pacific Sunrise’s takeup by commercial breweries has been sluggish. Despite this, it features favorable bittering properties and a pleasant piney aroma. It is the result of a cross between the result of a European and New Zealand male on one side and a California Cluster and a Fuggle on the other. (Hoplist)

Type: Bittering

Alpha Acid Range: 12.5-145%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Pleasant pine aromas

Best Beer Styles: Lager

Substitutions: Pacific Gem

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Re-released in 2007 from the New Zealand hop breeding program, Rakau is often described as “the whole orchard.” It is often used in New World styles where brash fruity character and big but well-constructed bitterness is desired. Rakau performs best when used in combination of late additions and dry hopping. (YCH)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 10-13%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Apricot, citrus, resinous, stone fruit, fig, fresh orchard fruits

Best Beer Styles: Pale ale, lager, Belgian ale, IPA

Substitutions: Amarillo, Summit

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research hop breeding program and released in 1996, Riwaka is a triploid aroma variety bred from “Old Line” Saaz and New Zealand breeding selections. It is a quintessential New Zealand variety. Riwaka is a bold, fruity hop that is best suited for IPA and imperial beer styles. (YCH)

Type: Aroma

Alpha Acid Range: 4.5-6.5%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Grapefruit, passion fruit, tropical

Best Beer Styles: IPA, pilsner, APA

Substitutions: Czech Saaz

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Developed by New Zealand Horticultural Research Center at Riwaka (now New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research) and released in 1972, Sticklebract is a result of open pollination of New Zealand First Choice. It was originally released as a high-alpha bittering hop but has become a dual-purpose variety characterized by citrus and pine flavors. (YCH)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 13-14.5%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Citrus, pine

Best Beer Styles: ESB

Substitutions: Northern Brewer

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Taiheke® hops are a New Zealand variety, but the genetics are very American. Taiheke® used to be known as USDA 56013 and was originally crossed way back in 1956. Its genetics consist of English Fuggle and a male derived from the Russian variety Serebrianka. It was commercially released by the USDA-ARS in 1972 and was sought after for its bright aroma of grapefruit, lime, and sweet fruit. (Yakima Valley Hops)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 6-8%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Sweet fruit, citrus, grapefruit, lime

Best Beer Styles: New world pale ales

Substitutions: Fuggle

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research hop breeding program and released in 2012, Waimea’s lineage includes Californian Late Cluster, Saaz, and Fuggle. Waimea is a big hop for big beers and can be used across an array of styles in a variety of brew house and dry-hopping applications. (YCH)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 14-17%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Citrus, stone fruit, sweet aromatic, tropical, pine, tangelo

Best Beer Styles: IPA, pale ale, lager

Substitutions: Columbus, Pacific Jade

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Description: Developed by the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research hop breeding program and released in 1988 as Hallertau Aroma, Wakatu was renamed in 2011. It is a triploid variety with two-thirds Hallertauer Mittelfrüher parentage. Wakatu is a well-rounded variety with strong, fresh citrus characteristics and some bittering capabilities. (YCH)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 5-8.5%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Floral, citrusy lime aromas, grassy, woody

Best Beer Styles: Lager, pale ale, Belgian ale

Substitutions: Hallertau Mittelfrüh, Nelson Sauvin

Country of Origin: South Africa

Description: African Queen is a South African-bred high-alpha, daylight-neutral hop whose pedigree is a diploid seedling selected from a cross between 91J7/25 and SA male 94US2/118. The aroma profile includes blueberries, stone fruit, black currant, gooseberries, bubble gum, lemongrass, watermelon, chilies, and resin. Works well with pilsners and all hop-forward beers of American and Belgian origins such as pale ales, IPAs and saisons. (ZA Hops)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 10-17%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Dank, blueberries, stone fruit, black currant, gooseberries, bubble gum, lemongrass, chilies

Best Beer Styles: Hop-forward beers, American ales, Belgian styles

Substitutions: Amarillo, Cascade, Simcoe, Citra, Mosaic

Country of Origin: South Africa

Description: Mild, pleasant, and slightly spicy, Outeniqua is an excellent, high-alpha bittering hop from the land of milk and honey—a moniker of the South African region where it is grown. Primarily used only locally, Outeniqua features a well-balanced oil profile and a strong, punchy, hoppy aroma. Outeniqua is also the mother of high-alpha variety Southern Star. (Hoplist)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 12-13.5%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Floral, hoppy, strong, punchy

Best Beer Styles: Pilsner

Substitutions: Southern Star

Country of Origin: South Africa

Description: Parent of Southern Promise, Southern Brewer was developed in the early 1970s after the primary South African hops variety at the time, Golden Cluster, was devastated by black root rot. It is the result of an open-pollinated cross of Fuggle. Southern Brewer did not do well with relatively limited hours of sunlight and required supplemental grow lighting. This made the variety considerably more expensive to produce. The development and introduction of Southern Promise and Outeniqua solved much of that issue. (Hoplist)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 5.6-12%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Earthy, woody, bright

Best Beer Styles: Pilsner, pale ale

Substitutions: Southern Promise

Country of Origin: South Africa

Description: Southern Dawn is a relatively new South African cultivar used by the largest South African breweries. It is used both as an aroma and bitter variety. Southern Dawn resembles Southern Promise to a certain extent but has a different aroma expression. (John I. Haas)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 11.2-12.5%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Fruity, spicy, chamomile, citrus, ginger, herbal, lemongrass, quince, strawberry

Best Beer Styles: Specialty IPA, blonde ale, APA, American IPA

Substitutions: NA

Country of Origin: South Africa

Description: Southern Passion is a South African-bred aroma daylight-neutral hop whose pedigree is a diploid seedling originating from Saaz and Hallertau crossing. The aroma profile includes passion fruit, guava, red berries, melon, black currant, coconut, tangerine, grapefruit, calendula, and woody—unique. Works well with a variety of beer styles including lightly hopped session beers, pilsners, and all hop-forward beers of American and Belgian origins such as pale ales, IPAs, and saisons. (ZA Hops)

Type: Aroma

Alpha Acid Range: 5-12%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Berry, currant, sweet fruit, citrus

Best Beer Styles: Session beers, pilsners, American IPAs, pale ales, saisons

Substitutions: NA

Country of Origin: South Africa

Description: Southern Star is a South African-bred high-alpha, daylight-neutral hop whose pedigree is a diploid seedling selected from Outeniqua and SA male OF2/93. The aroma profile includes tangerine, blueberries, pine, tropical fruit, pineapple, watermelon, pungent, woody, and spicy. Works well with all hop-forward beers, especially modern pale ales and IPAs, and as a bittering hop for clean bitterness. (ZA Hops)

Type: Dual purpose

Alpha Acid Range: 12-18%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Tangerine, blueberry, pine, tropical fruit, pineapple, watermelon, pungent, woody, spicy

Best Beer Styles: Pale ale, IPA, lager, stout, barleywine

Substitutions: Mosaic, Ekuanot, El Dorado, Mandarina Bavaria, Southern Cross, Warrior, Outeniqua

Country of Origin: South Africa

Description: Southern Sublime is a South African-bred high-alpha, daylight-neutral hop whose pedigree is a diploid seedling selected from a cross between Nugget and 89J1/101. The aroma profile of Southern Sublime includes pungent, Kool-Aid, Juicy Fruit, pineapple, citrus, mango, red plums, grassy, spicy, woody, and resin. Works well with intensely hop-forward beers like West Coast-style IPAs. (ZA Hops)

Type: Aroma

Alpha Acid Range: 10-13%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Pungent, Kool-Aid, Juicy Fruit, pineapple, citrus, mango, red plums, grassy, spicy, woody, resin

Best Beer Styles: West Coast-style IPA

Substitutions: Nugget

Country of Origin: South Africa

Description: Southern Tropic is a South African-bred high-alpha, daylight-neutral hop whose pedigree is a diploid seedling selected from a cross between USDA 65009 and XJA2/574. The aroma profile of Southern Tropic includes mango, litchi, passion fruit, melon, pineapple, bubblegum, citrus, lemongrass, stone fruit, coconut, woody, herbal, resin, and pungent. Works well with all hop-forward beers, especially pales ales and IPAs. (ZA Hops)

Type: Bittering

Alpha Acid Range: 12-18%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Mango, passion fruit, melon, pineapple, bubble gum, citrus, lemongrass, stone fruit, coconut, woody, herbal, resin, pungent

Best Beer Styles: Pale ale, IPA

Substitutions: NA

Country of Origin: South Africa

Description: XJA2/436 is a South African-bred high-alpha, daylight-neutral hop whose pedigree is a diploid seedling selected from a cross between Outeniqua and OF2/93. The aroma profile of XJA2/436 includes bergamot citrus, dried lemon zest, candied papaya, ripe cantaloupe, gooseberries, and resin. Works well with all hop-forward beers including American and Belgian styles like IPAs and saisons. (ZA Hops)

Type: Bittering

Alpha Acid Range: 11.5-15.4%

Aroma/Flavor Notes: Bergamot citrus, dried lemon zest, candied papaya, ripe cantaloupe, gooseberries, resin

Best Beer Styles: IPA, saison

Substitutions: Outeniqua