NZ Kohatu Hop Profile
Origin:
- New Zealand
- Released by New Zealand Plant & Food Research in 2011
- Bred from Hallertau Mittelfrüh and a selected New Zealand male
Type:
- Aroma hop (can also be used for dual purpose)
Typical Alpha Acids:
Beta Acids:
Aroma & Flavor Notes:
-
Tropical Fruit: Big notes of passionfruit, pineapple, and mango
-
Stone Fruit: Apricot, peach, and ripe nectarine
-
Pine: Distinct, fresh pine needle and forest character
-
Citrus: Zesty, with a note of lime/lemon and some orange beneath
-
Floral: Some jasmine and gardenia in the background
-
Other: Sometimes has a “candy-like” sweetness, and a refreshing orchard fruit finish
Brewing Characteristics:
- Delivers a rounded, fresh tropical aroma—often described as “fruity, floral and foresty”
- Performs well in late additions and dry hopping, enhancing hop-forward ales and lagers with a clean, lush finish
- Known for a remarkably smooth bitterness when used for bittering (gentle on the palate)
Best Beer Styles:
- Pale Ale, IPA (NZ or Pacific styles)
- Blonde Ale, Summer Ale
- Lager (NZ Pilsner, Hoppy Lager)
- Wheat Beer, Kölsch, Saison
Substitutes:
- Motueka (citrus/lime, but less pine/forest)
- Rakau (stone fruit/tropical, less resinous)
- Wai-iti (for more soft tropical/stone fruit, less pine)
Fun Fact:
“Kohatu” is Māori for “stone”—fitting for a hop built around lush stone and tropical fruit flavors!
