Motueka Hop Profile
Origin:
- New Zealand
- Developed by New Zealand Plant & Food Research, originally released as “Saaz B” (a cross of Saaz and a New Zealand breeding selection)
Type:
- Dual-purpose (widely used for both aroma/flavor and bittering)
Typical Alpha Acids:
Beta Acids:
Aroma & Flavor Notes:
-
Lime: Bright fresh lime, lime zest, and mojito-like, which is its hallmark
-
Lemon: Clean, sweet lemon drop candy
-
Tropical Fruit: Subtle hints of passionfruit
-
Herbal: Soft, Saaz-style fresh-cut grass, mint, and basil
-
Floral: Delicate spring blossoms
-
Other: Some tasters detect subtle notes of honey and green apple
Brewing Characteristics:
- Known for its unique blend of fresh citrus (especially lime) and classic Saaz-like floral/herb notes
- Performs beautifully in both lagers and ales—especially great in single-hop beers or when you want a clean, zesty, modern aroma
Best Beer Styles:
- Pilsner (especially NZ Pilsner), and other lagers
- Pale Ale, IPA, Session IPA
- Wheat beer, Saison
- Kölsch, Blonde Ale
- Farmhouse and mixed fermentation
Substitutes:
- Saaz (for herbal/floral, but less bold)
- Lemondrop (for citrus, but more lemon/candy)
- Mandarina Bavaria (for orange/citrus, but less herbal)
Fun Fact:
Motueka’s distinct mojito-lime zing makes it a brewer and drinker favorite for ultra-refreshing lagers and summer ales!
