RAKAU HOPS

New Zealand’s Rakau, purpose-bred and selected for unique dual-purpose brewing qualities, stands out as a gem in the brewing world. Re-released from the NZ Hop breeding programme in 2007 for trials under organics and now widely established under conventional cultivation, it gives delightful, deep aromas of passionfruit, apricot and other stone fruits along with notes of pine. Rakau has an intensity of aroma unlike many other hops, lifted from a heavy weight of oils. Brewers are agreed that the dominant fruitiness is that of fresh stone fruit such as apricot, with sensory panels scoring it highly on bitterness quality as well as unique fruity flavours and aromas, once described as “The whole orchard”.

Rakau, with its high myrcene concentration, beautifully complements dry-hopped American Pale Ales. Rakau thrives in brewing New World ales and lagers that demand intense fruity characters and bold bitterness. It can also be readily used delicately for lighter styles, even with multiple kettle additions… a real treat is to test these experiences out for yourself and make something unique and delicious.

TYPICAL PROFILE

Alpha Acids: 9-12%
Beta Acids: 2.6-4.8%
Purpose: Bittering & Aroma
Total Oils: 2.2 ml/100g