US Sorachi Ace Hop Profile
Origin:
- Japan (originally bred by Sapporo in the 1970s by crossing Brewer’s Gold, Saaz, and BeiKei No. 2), but now widely grown in the US (notably Pacific Northwest)
Type:
- Dual-purpose, but most famous for its unique aroma character
Typical Alpha Acids:
Beta Acids:
Aroma & Flavor Notes:
-
Lemon: Intense lemon zest, lemon peel, and lemon candy (the signature trait)
-
Dill: Distinct herbal, almost dill-like quality, especially in certain harvests or concentrations
-
Coriander: Subtle notes of spice and citrus peel
-
Coconut: Occasionally soft hints, especially in partnership with lemon
-
Other: Creamy or buttery texture in mouthfeel reported in some beers
Brewing Characteristics:
- Famed for delivering a zesty, lemony character (think lemon verbena or lemon grass)
- Great for late hop additions and dry hopping, but can be used for both flavor and moderate bittering
- Aroma is polarizing—much loved by some craft brewers for uniqueness, less so for fans of “classic” hops
Best Beer Styles:
- Saison, Farmhouse, Wheat Ale, and Cream Ale
- Pilsner and other lagers
- IPA (especially experimental or single-hop showcases)
- Berliner Weisse, American Sour/Wild
Substitutes:
- Lemondrop (for lemon, but softer and no dill)
- Motueka (for herbal and bright citrus, but more lime than lemon)
- Hallertau Blanc (for elegance, white grape, and floral but not lemon/dill)
Fun Fact:
Despite its Japanese origin, US-grown Sorachi Ace often has cleaner and more pronounced lemon character, making it a cult classic for saisons and modern experimental ales.
