Nelson Sauvin

White Wine Sophistication • Gooseberry & Grape • New Zealand's Signature Hop Nelson Sauvin is New Zealand's most celebrated hop, prized for an utterly unique white wine character reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc — the grape that gave it its name. Notes of gooseberry, fresh grape, and tropical fruit make it one of the most distinctive and sought-after varieties in the world, capable of giving a beer genuine vinous elegance. With alpha acids of 12%, Nelson Sauvin can certainly bitter, but its rare flavor profile makes it far more valuable in late additions where the wine-like character can develop fully. Flavor & Aroma Profile Sauvignon Blanc white wine character Tart gooseberry Fresh crushed grape Juicy tropical fruit Crisp, dry, vinous finish Used sparingly, Nelson lends an intriguing winey complexity to blends. As a featured hop, it produces strikingly vinous, fruit-forward beers unlike anything brewed with American varieties. Brewing ApplicationsNelson Sauvin is a staple ingredient in many modern and experimental styles, including: Hazy / New England IPA New Zealand Pilsner American IPA Double IPA Brut IPA Saison It also brings unexpected sophistication to farmhouse and Brett beers, where its grape character plays beautifully with fermentation-derived complexity. Usage RecommendationsFor a 5-gallon batch, use 1–2 oz across whirlpool and dry hop for full white wine expression, with bittering from a neutral hop. In a NZ pilsner, even 0.5–1 oz late creates a remarkably distinctive lager. Nelson pairs exceptionally well with Galaxy and Citra — the gooseberry-vinous note threads through tropical hop bills like a sommelier's signature. Specifications Alpha Acid: 12% Flavor Notes: White wine, gooseberry, tropical, grape Typical Use: Dual-purpose, favoring aroma Common Additions: Whirlpool, dry hop Substitutes: Galaxy, Motueka Beer Styles: Hazy IPAs, NZ pilsners, double IPAs, saisons Whether you're crafting a vinous hazy IPA or an elegant New Zealand pilsner, Nelson Sauvin delivers the one-of-a-kind white wine character no other hop can imitate.