Riwaka Hops

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 has become very popular in the brewing industry due to its unique aroma and flavour profile. The aromas and flavours of Riwaka are often described as grapefruit, citrus and passionfruit. It is a dual-purpose hop, which means that it can be used for both bittering and aroma. Riwaka is often used in American-style pale ales and IPAs. When used for bittering, it imparts a clean bitterness without any harshness. When used for aroma, it gives the beer a distinctive grapefruit and citrus character.

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.

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