Nelson Sauvin Hop Pellets 1 oz

Nelson Sauvin is one of the world's most distinctive aroma hops, renowned for its unmistakable white wine character and vibrant fruit complexity. Developed by New Zealand Plant & Food Research and grown in the Nelson region of New Zealand, this premium dual purpose hop has become a cornerstone of modern craft brewing. Its unique combination of grape like aromatics, tropical fruit, and citrus makes Nelson Sauvin a favorite for brewers creating expressive IPAs, pale ales, and innovative lager styles.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Yakima Chief Hops
• Hop Type: Dual Purpose
• Origin: New Zealand
• Alpha Acid: 11.0 - 13.0%
• Beta Acid: 6.0 - 8.0%
• Cohumulone: 22 - 26%

Flavor & Aroma Profile

Nelson Sauvin is famous for its bold aromas of white wine grape, gooseberry, passion fruit, grapefruit, and tropical fruit, accented by notes of fresh crushed grapes, citrus zest, and subtle herbal complexity. Late boil, whirlpool, and dry hop additions showcase its signature Sauvignon Blanc like character, delivering an intensely aromatic profile with a crisp, refreshing finish. While capable of producing clean bitterness, Nelson Sauvin is most often used for its exceptional aroma, either on its own or blended with complementary Southern Hemisphere and American hops.

Brewing Applications

Nelson Sauvin is an outstanding choice for Hazy IPA, New England IPA, West Coast IPA, Pale Ale, New Zealand Pilsner, Belgian Saison, Belgian Blonde Ale, and Session IPA. It pairs exceptionally well with Motueka, Nectaron, Citra, Mosaic, and Galaxy, creating layered aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, white grape, and stone fruit with remarkable depth and complexity.

Recommended Hop Substitutes

If Nelson Sauvin is unavailable, consider:

• Hallertau Blanc – Similar white grape and fruity wine like character.
• Motueka – Bright lime and citrus with complementary New Zealand character.
• Nectaron – Bold passion fruit, peach, and pineapple with Southern Hemisphere intensity.
• Galaxy – Rich tropical fruit and citrus that pairs well in similar beer styles.

Lineage & History

Nelson Sauvin was developed by New Zealand Plant & Food Research (formerly HortResearch) through an extensive breeding program aimed at creating distinctive aroma hops with world class brewing potential. It was selected from a cross that includes Smoothcone, a New Zealand variety descended from traditional European hops, along with carefully chosen breeding lines. After years of evaluation, Nelson Sauvin was released commercially in 2000 and named after both the Nelson hop growing region and its unmistakable resemblance to the flavors and aromas of Sauvignon Blanc wine. Today, it is regarded as one of Yakima Chief Hops' flagship New Zealand varieties and remains one of the most sought-after hops for brewers looking to create uniquely expressive, fruit forward beers.