Riwaka

Riwaka was another hop bred during the development of New Zealand Hops ‘hops with a difference’ programme, this time through crossing ‘Old Line’ Saazer with specially developed New Zealand breeding selections. It was first released by New Zealand’s Plant & Food Hop Research Centre in 1997.

Riwaka gives extreme citrus notes which is great for ‘hoppy beers’, adding aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit, lemon and tropical fruits. It is a real standout and the powerful grapefruit “citrussy” character is often described as ‘breath-taking’.

Riwaka has a higher than average oil balance, almost double that of its Saazer parent. It is often seen as the darling of New Zealand hops and the oil character carries right through to the glass.

A bold hop that makes a statement, use it for big styles such as IPA’s and Imperial Pilsners or as a punchy addition to the new world styles of Pales Ale and New Zealand Pilsners.